Chicago, December 28, 2006 – Baker & McKenzie is pleased to announce that it continues its strong standings in Chambers Global 2007 annual directory, “The World’s Leading Lawyers”, with a total of 212 lawyers listed, up twenty from the 2006 list; and 46 of the Firm’s lawyers in various practice groups received a “1” ranking, up eight from last year.

In addition, the Firm’s International Private Client practice received a “1” ranking globally, quoted as being “at the forefront of trust reforms” with lawyers possessing “a good way of solving problems.”

Baker & McKenzie tax practitioner Luis Briones Fernandez from Madrid and intellectual property Partner Eugene Arievich from Moscow received exceptional recommendations in their field.

Other highlights from the 2007 rankings include:
• Ten offices received a “1” ranking for its Corporate practice; and eight offices received a “1” ranking for its Banking & Finance practice;
• In Asia, the Bangkok office was praised for a combination of “real local expertise and international resources,” and the Hong Kong office was recognized as the "strongest PRC player" and having “excellent global coverage and expertise”;
• In Europe, the London office ranked in the top four tiers in fifteen practice groups, and the Frankfurt and Madrid offices ranked in the top four tiers in ten practice groups;
• In Latin America, the Sao Paulo office was noted for its “excellent legal advice in a proper and timely manner,” and the Caracas office was recognized for its “muscle and deep talent across the board”;
• In North America, the Washington D.C. office received a “1” ranking for its Tax practice for the second consecutive year.

Over 6,500 interviews with in-house and outside counsel were conducted covering 170 countries over a period of a year for this directory. Lawyers were ranked on a scale of 1-6 based on technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial awareness/astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by clients. Chambers Global is produced by London-based Chambers and Partners, a publisher since 1969 producing world-famous guides to the legal profession.