Baker & McKenzie Also Tops in Four of 11 Regions

Chicago, April 7, 2008 – In a survey of more than 5,000 in-house counsel by PLC Which lawyer?, Baker & McKenzie has been named International Law Firm of the Year and the leading law firm in four of 11 regions - Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. 

With five top awards, Baker & McKenzie received more honors than any other firm.  Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer received two awards, including the International Law Firm of the Year award it shares this year with Baker & McKenzie.

PLC Which lawyer? recognized Baker & McKenzie for its overall “great coverage.”  As Law Firm of the Year in Asia for the fourth consecutive year, Baker & McKenzie was cited for its breadth of expertise and service.  In Central & Eastern Europe, Baker & McKenzie was described as delivering a “consistently good performance, quick response time, and good business.”  In Latin America and in the Middle East, Baker & McKenzie’s international reach is seen as “a major asset” delivering “good results.” 

The PLC Which lawyer? winners were chosen by more than 5,500 in-house counsel from around the world. This group voted for the leading law firm in each of 11 regions (Africa, Asia, Australia & Oceania, Canada, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, Middle East, North America, Northern Europe, Offshore, Western Europe) and selected the International Law Firm of the Year.  The 2008 award winners are featured in the April–June issue of PLC Cross-border Quarterly.

Commenting on the awards, John Conroy, Chairman of Baker & McKenzie’s Executive Committee, said:  “We are truly gratified to receive five PLC Which lawyer? awards this year – particularly because thousands of in-house counsel worldwide have chosen the winning firms.  It’s very encouraging to know we are held in such high regard by key people in the companies we seek to advise and serve.”

Conroy added: “For some time, we have been known for our large number of offices and lawyers.  But recent recognition such as these awards from PLC Which lawyer? would suggest that our greatest strength may be the fluent way we develop and deliver our extensive resources for client benefit.  For our lawyers and staff who represent Baker & McKenzie every day around the world, this is a wonderful accolade.”