History of Willkie Farr & Gallagher in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 1, 2025

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, founded in 1888 and headquartered in New York City, is a prominent international law firm specializing in corporate practice. With over 1200 lawyers, it operates from 15 offices across six countries, solidifying its position as a white-shoe firm in the legal industry.

1901: Charles A. Boston became an associate at the firm

In 1901, Charles A. Boston became an associate at the firm, which was then known as Hornblower, Byrne, Miller & Potter. He later served as the American Bar Association President.

1906: Felix Frankfurter started legal career at the firm

In 1906, Felix Frankfurter started his legal career at the firm as an associate. He later served as a Justice of the US Supreme Court.

1917: Harold J. Gallagher joined the firm

In 1917, Harold J. Gallagher initially joined the firm when it was known as Hornblower, Miller & Garrison. He later became the American Bar Association President.

1921: Paris office created

In 1921 Willkie Farr & Gallagher created an office in Paris.

1930: Charles A. Boston became American Bar Association President

In 1930, Charles A. Boston, who had joined the firm in 1901, served as the American Bar Association President from 1930 to 1931.

1931: Firm merged with Miller, Otis and Farr

In 1931, the firm merged with the law firm of Miller, Otis and Farr, resulting in a total of 12 partners and 24 associates.

1939: Firm hired its first female associate

In 1939, the firm hired its first female associate, Mary MacDonagh.

January 1940: Harold J. Gallagher offered Wendell Willkie to join the firm

In January 1940, Harold J. Gallagher offered Wendell Willkie the opportunity to join the firm.

1941: Wendell Willkie joined the firm as a partner

In 1941, after losing the presidential election, Wendell Willkie joined the firm as a partner.

1947: Willkie partner hourly rate

In 1947, the customary hourly rate of a Willkie partner was $50 ($700 in current dollar terms).

1949: Harold J. Gallagher became American Bar Association President

In 1949, Harold J. Gallagher, who had joined the firm in 1917, served as the American Bar Association President from 1949 to 1950.

1968: Firm adopted its current name

In 1968, the firm adopted its current name, Willkie Farr & Gallagher.

1969: Bowie Kuhn served as Commissioner of Baseball

From 1969 to 1984, Former Willkie Farr partner Bowie Kuhn served as Commissioner of Baseball.

1969: Bob Hodes became the chairman of the firm

In 1969, Bob Hodes became the chairman of the firm.

1970: Willkie Farr represented Major League Baseball in Curt Flood case

In 1970, Willkie Farr represented Major League Baseball in the Curt Flood free agency/antitrust case in the United States Supreme Court.

1977: Patricia S. Skigen became the firm's first female partner

In 1977, Patricia S. Skigen became the firm's first female partner. The firm also moved to One Citicorp Center that year.

1983: Willkie Farr litigated the Pine Tar Game

In 1983, Willkie Farr successfully litigated the Pine Tar Game case.

1984: Bowie Kuhn's tenure as Commissioner of Baseball ended

From 1969 to 1984, Former Willkie Farr partner Bowie Kuhn served as Commissioner of Baseball.

1993: Drop in business due to Shearson Lehman sale

In 1993, Willkie Farr experienced a significant drop in business when Shearson Lehman, which accounted for a third of the firm's billings, was sold to The Travelers Companies.

1994: Nora Ann Wallace became first female member of executive committee

In 1994, corporate partner Nora Ann Wallace became the first female member of the firm's executive committee.

1995: Mario Cuomo became of counsel at Willkie Farr

Beginning in 1995, Mario Cuomo (the former 52nd Governor of New York) was of counsel at Willkie Farr for the next two decades.

1995: Bob Hodes stepped down as chairman of the firm

In 1995, Bob Hodes stepped down as chairman of the firm, after serving since 1969.

2003: Deaths of Trish Langlade and Billie Kelly

In 2003, Willkie recruiting coordinators Trish Langlade and Billie Kelly died from carbon monoxide and smoke inhalation from a fire during a recruiting trip.

2007: Strategic alliance with Dickson Minto

In 2007, Willkie announced a strategic alliance with Dickson Minto, a boutique law firm with offices in London and Edinburgh.

2015: Willkie recognized in 'Band 1' by Chambers & Partners

In 2015, Willkie was recognized as being in 'Band 1' for its work in eight practice areas by Chambers & Partners.

2017: Willkie Farr ranked 47th in gross revenue

In 2017, The American Lawyer ranked Willkie Farr 47th in gross revenue, with $772 million.

2018: Gordon Caplan named Dealmaker of the Year

In 2018, Gordon Caplan was named “Dealmaker of the Year” by The American Lawyer.

2018: Willkie Farr ranked 57th-highest-grossing law firm globally

In 2018, Willkie Farr was ranked the 57th-highest-grossing law firm in the world.

March 2019: Felony guilty plea deal filed in college admissions bribery scandal

In March 2019, a felony guilty plea deal was filed in the 2019 college admissions bribery scandal, involving Gordon Caplan.

2022: Founding member of Legal Alliance for Reproductive Rights

In 2022, Willkie Farr & Gallagher was a founding member of the Legal Alliance for Reproductive Rights, offering free legal services related to abortions.

November 2023: Letter to law school deans regarding antisemitic incidents

In November 2023, Willkie Farr & Gallagher was among a group of major law firms who sent a letter to top law school deans warning them that an escalation in incidents targeting Jewish students would have corporate hiring consequences.