Quinn Emanuel and Greenberg Glusker Lose Veteran Partners in May
Quinn Emanuel and Greenberg Glusker each lost longtime senior partners in April and May 2026.
Why it matters: Leadership changes at major firms impact firm culture, succession planning, and client relationships. Veteran partners often anchor institutional knowledge and stability.
- Harry A. Olivar, Jr., Quinn Emanuel partner of 26 years, died in a Georgia car accident on May 19, 2026.
- Olivar led Quinn Emanuel’s National Securities and Domestic Arbitration Practices, recovering $4.9B+ for clients.
- Arthur N. Greenberg, founding partner of Greenberg Glusker, died April 27, 2026 at age 98.
- Firm leaders described both men as ‘the heart’ of their institutions, impacting culture and strategy.
Two major law firms, Quinn Emanuel and Greenberg Glusker, are marking the loss of senior partners who played key leadership and cultural roles.
- On May 19, 2026, Harry A. Olivar, Jr.—a partner at Quinn Emanuel for over two decades—was killed in an automobile accident in central Georgia. He was 56.
- Olivar chaired the National Securities Practice, handling major securities litigation nationwide, and co-chaired the Domestic Arbitration group, representing clients in dispute resolution proceedings. His tenure saw over $4.9 billion won for clients.
- Quinn Emanuel partners called Olivar “a brilliant lawyer and trusted counselor.” Colleagues highlighted not only his litigation record but also his guidance to younger lawyers and his impact on firm direction (Above the Law).
- Greenberg Glusker’s founding partner, Arthur N. Greenberg, died on April 27, 2026. He co-founded the Los Angeles-based firm in 1959 and served as its leader through decades of growth.
- Greenberg was described by firm leadership as “the heart” of Greenberg Glusker, shaping ethos and standards from its early days with just three lawyers, according to the firm’s statement.
The passing of such foundational figures forces law firm leaders to confront operational continuity and succession. Both firms have issued public tributes, emphasizing the challenge ahead as they sustain the culture and expertise these partners embodied.
More tributes and coverage are available from Above the Law and Bloomberg Law.
By the numbers:
- $4.9B+ — Amount Quinn Emanuel reports Harry Olivar recovered for clients over his career
- 1959 — Year Greenberg Glusker was founded by Arthur N. Greenberg
- 98 — Arthur N. Greenberg’s age at the time of his death
Yes, but: The circumstances around Olivar’s accident remain under investigation; no further details have been released.