Michael Blair retired from Debevoise & Plimpton LLP at the beginning of 2023 after 41 years at the firm. During his final 11 years he served as the firm’s Presiding Partner.

As Presiding Partner Mr. Blair was responsible for establishing the strategic direction for and leading the $1B+ firm. During his tenure as Presiding Partner the firm strengthened its position in key industries, such as private equity, technology and healthcare, and in strategic geographies, significantly improving the firm’s financial position. Mr. Blair also led the firm’s efforts to support its people and its clients through the Covid-19 pandemic, to build an inclusive community, and to reinforce the firm’s distinctively supportive and collaborative culture.

Prior to becoming Presiding Partner Mr. Blair served as chair of Debevoise’s global Corporate Department for 13 years and advised on some of the largest mergers and acquisitions of the 1990’s and 2000’s.

Mr. Blair has had a longstanding interest in U.S. national security matters. Since 2009 he has served as a trustee of the Smith Richardson Foundation, the leading funder of independent U.S. national security analysis. Mr. Blair has been an active member of Business Executives for National Security and joined its Board in 2025. Since 2023 Mr. Blair has also served as a director of Remote Legal, a rapidly growing legal tech software company.

Previously Mr. Blair served as a Lecturer in Law at Columbia University Law School and as a director of the Partnership for New York City and of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.

Mr. Blair received his B.A. from Yale University and his J.D. from the University of Chicago.