News & Insights

Press Release

April 13, 2026

King & Spalding Welcomes Jim Richardell as New Chief Financial Officer


  • Richardell joins as the firm marks its 17th consecutive year of revenue and profitability growth, more than quadrupling both since 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 13, 2026 – King & Spalding today announced that Jim Richardell has joined the firm as chief financial officer, based in Washington, D.C.

“Jim brings 20 years of experience leading financial operations at top-tier global law firms, driving operational improvements and strategic planning in complex multinational environments like ours,” said Robert Hays, King & Spalding’s chairman. “He joins as our continued financial growth has placed us among the world’s top-tier law firms, and he will play an important role in helping keep us on that strong trajectory.”

Richardell joins King & Spalding after more than a decade at Hogan Lovells, where he served the last seven years as the Global Chief Financial Officer, having previously served as Americas Chief Financial Officer. In these roles, he oversaw financial operations and supported the firm’s long‑term strategic objectives. He also served as an ex officio member of the firm’s International Management Committee.

Richardell succeeds Pete Nolan, who is retiring after 17 years as CFO. During Nolan’s tenure, the firm posted 17 consecutive years of revenue and profitability growth, more than quadrupling both.

“Pete has been a steady hand for 17 years, helping steer the firm through the Global Economic Crisis, the uncertainty of COVID, and a period of exceptional growth,” said Hays. “We are grateful for all he has done to position the firm for continued success and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.”

“Through disciplined management and a well-executed strategy, King & Spalding has grown from a regional firm into a global powerhouse while achieving nearly two decades of growth in both scale and profitability,” said Richardell. “This is an exciting opportunity for me to contribute to the continuing growth of a firm that has transformed into a global leader, and I look forward to collaborating with my K&S colleagues to sustain that strong momentum.”

About King & Spalding

King & Spalding is an international law firm that represents a broad array of clients, including half of the Fortune Global 100, with 1,300 lawyers in 26 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. The firm has handled matters in over 160 countries on six continents and consistently earns recognition for the results it obtains, uncompromising commitment to quality, and dedication to understanding the business and culture of its clients. More information is available at www.kslaw.com.

Media Contact:

Timothy Vaughn

tvaughn@kslaw.com

+1 212 827 4032