Arnold & Porter Chairman Thomas Milch’s focus on fiscal and partner responsibility, plus strategic lateral hiring, has helped the firm thrive amid national and regional economic upheaval.

Milch, who took the helm in 2006, steered a steady financial course during the downturn. The firm’s gross revenues climbed from $513 million in 2008 to $555 million in 2010, while profits per equity partner increased from $910,000 to just more than $1.1 million, according to Am Law 100 data.