Clark Hill’s Linda Watson Named Firm’s Inaugural Chief Growth Officer

Clark Hill today announced that longtime Executive Committee member and litigation practice leader Linda Watson has moved into the newly created Chief Growth Officer position, effective January 1, 2026. Watson is specifically tasked with charting a strategic path for sustainable revenue and profitability growth, attraction and retention of outstanding professional talent, and advisement for technological enhancements.

“Clark Hill has experienced substantial growth in revenue, headcount, and geographic footprint over the past several years. The development of the firm’s Chief Growth Officer role is a natural progression to sustain our financial stability and continue to grow efficiently,” said John Hensien, Clark Hill CEO. “Linda has an outstanding reputation inside and outside the firm, together with proven ability to effectuate change, having successfully led multiple key firm initiatives. She is a strong mentor, an outstanding leader, and a respected partner who also brings her deep institutional knowledge to the new Chief Growth Officer role.”

“Operationally, this really is a collaborative role that touches on every aspect of the firm. I look forward to using my institutional knowledge of Clark Hill, and the skill sets I’ve developed as a leader and strategic advisor, to make a material impact on the future of the firm as the CGO.” Watson said.

The Chief Growth Officer position has grown in popularity at law firms as the competitive market changes. The convergence of industry consolidation, increased sophistication of in-house legal departments and the rise of alternative legal service providers motivated Clark Hill to identify a leader to work hand-in-glove with the firm’s Chief Executive Officer, John Hensien, to identify potential revenue channels, create operational efficiencies and strengthen talent retention and training practices.

Watson, who joined Clark Hill in 2007, previously co-led the firm’s Litigation Business Unit. She will continue to lead the firm’s Automotive and Manufacturing industry group. Watson also served multiple terms on the firm’s Executive Committee.

As a practicing litigator, Watson amassed numerous honors and recognitions. She has been named a “Top” and “Notable” lawyer by leading Michigan area publications for multiple years. She attended Stanford University’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Certificate Program sponsored by the School of Engineering and she is a graduate of the Northwestern University Leading Diversity Equity and Inclusion Certification Program, earning her certification to lead DEI in 2020.

In addition, Linda is a graduate of the National Trial Institute for Trial Advocacy, one of the leading institutions for intensive professional training in the art and skills of trial advocacy. Watson earned her undergraduate degree at Oakland University and her Juris Doctor at Michigan State University College of Law.