How I Made Practice Group Chair: ‘You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader,’ Says Kristen Limarzi of Gibson Dunn & Crutcher
Tags: law firm leadership, Kristen Limarzi, Gibson Dunn, antitrust law, United States, legal career, leadership development, women in law, practice group chair, professional growth
Kristen Limarzi, Global Co-Chair of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher’s Antitrust and Competition Practice Group, has redefined leadership in the legal industry, emphasizing that influence and impact transcend formal titles. In a 2025 Law.com interview, Limarzi shared insights on her journey to leadership, highlighting how early exposure to antitrust law and a focus on relationship-building propelled her to a prominent role at one of the world’s leading law firms. This article explores her path, the legal and professional strategies that shaped her success, and the broader implications for aspiring legal leaders.
The Psychological Ceiling: Pricing Lessons from Fast Food
Limarzi’s leadership philosophy mirrors strategies seen in industries like fast food, where maintaining customer trust is critical. Just as fast-food chains keep prices below $10 to avoid a psychological barrier, Limarzi emphasizes building trust and value without relying on formal titles. “You don’t need a title to be a leader,” she told Law.com, advocating for proactive relationship-building and communication skills to influence outcomes. This approach aligns with client expectations in law, where transparency and value—mandated by regulations like the Federal Trade Commission’s pricing guidelines—are paramount.
From DOJ to Gibson Dunn: A Strategic Career Path
Limarzi’s ascent to practice group chair was shaped by her tenure as Chief of the Appellate Section at the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, where she led complex litigation and policy development. Joining Gibson Dunn in 2019, she leveraged her government experience to represent clients in high-stakes antitrust matters, such as VMware’s $61 billion acquisition by Broadcom. Her practical approach, praised by Chambers as “very practical” and “excellent,” earned her accolades like Global Competition Review’s 2023 Dealmaker of the Year. This transition underscores the value of diverse experience in building leadership credibility.
Leadership Without a Title
Limarzi’s core message is that leadership begins with action, not appointment. “People don’t follow you because you have a title; you get a title because they follow you,” she noted, encouraging attorneys to build relationships inside and outside their firms early on. This resonates with legal industry trends, where client demand for collaborative, value-driven service is rising, as seen in AI-driven efficiency tools noted in X posts. Her focus on mentorship and team-building helped her forge connections, positioning her as a natural choice for practice group chair.
Navigating Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
As a leader, Limarzi operates within a framework of strict ethical and legal standards. The American Bar Association’s Model Rules, particularly Rule 2.1 on independent judgment, guide her approach to advising clients and mentoring colleagues. Her role as a corporate compliance monitor, overseeing antitrust controls for a firm under a DOJ non-prosecution agreement, highlights her ability to balance regulatory compliance with practical leadership. This experience is critical in an era of heightened scrutiny, with lawsuits like a 2024 New York case against overbilling emphasizing transparency in legal practice.
The Psychological Ceiling: Fast-Food Pricing Lessons for Law Firms
While fast-food chains strive to keep prices below $10 to maintain consumer appeal, law firms face a parallel challenge in managing client perceptions of value. Rising costs for talent, technology, and compliance have pushed billing rates higher, yet clients demand cost predictability. AI-driven Revenue Intelligence platforms help firms maintain transparent, client-aligned pricing by automating billing processes and reducing errors, ensuring compliance with state laws like California’s Consumer Privacy Act and Federal Trade Commission guidelines on deceptive pricing. This mirrors fast-food strategies to avoid “sticker shock” while meeting client expectations for value.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Limarzi’s journey offers a blueprint for aspiring legal leaders, particularly women in law. Recognized in Global Competition Review’s 2025 Women in Antitrust, she advocates for early skill-building in communication and collaboration. Her advice to “start leading” by strengthening firm culture and client relationships aligns with industry shifts toward client-centric models, as seen in the adoption of flat-fee structures to meet cost-conscious demands. By fostering a culture of mentorship, Limarzi is shaping a new generation of leaders who prioritize impact over titles.
Looking Ahead: Leadership in a Dynamic Legal Landscape
Kristen Limarzi’s rise to Global Co-Chair at Gibson Dunn illustrates that leadership is earned through action, relationships, and expertise, not just titles. As law firms face rising costs and client expectations—paralleling fast-food’s $10 pricing ceiling—her emphasis on proactive leadership and compliance with legal standards is timely. By blending government-honed expertise with private practice innovation, Limarzi exemplifies how attorneys can navigate a competitive legal market, inspiring others to lead with vision and integrity.