Key Departures and Additions
Munger, Tolles & Olson sees a significant shift in its partnership as 17 transactional lawyers depart for Baker McKenzie in Los Angeles. The departing team comprises 11 corporate and tax lawyers elevated to partner status, along with six associates. Notably, nine of the departing lawyers held partner positions at Munger Tolles, which had a total of 84 partners prior to this move.
Expanding Expertise
Baker McKenzie underscores the diverse expertise of the incoming team, covering mergers and acquisitions, private equity, tax, funds, and finance. This infusion substantially strengthens Baker McKenzie’s corporate practice, absorbing a significant portion of Munger Tolles’ corporate practice group.
New Faces in the Partnership
Among the notable additions to Baker McKenzie’s partnership are Jennifer Broder, Kimberly Chi, David Goldman, Michael Greaney, Tyler Hilton, Judith Kitano, Kelly Kriebs, David Lee, Brett Rodda, Matthew Schonholz, and Nikole Zoumberakis. Their arrival signals Baker McKenzie’s commitment to fostering top-tier talent and expanding its service offerings.
Strategic Alignment
Brett Rodda, an M&A and private equity specialist, highlights the allure of Baker McKenzie’s platform for ambitious practitioners seeking growth opportunities. Baker McKenzie’s global footprint and robust deal capabilities provide an ideal environment for expanding their practice.
Global Deal-making Powerhouse
Baker McKenzie’s stature as the largest law firm in the United States by attorney headcount positions it as a global leader in deal work. With over 6,500 lawyers and tax professionals worldwide, including 2,500 deal lawyers, Baker McKenzie is well-equipped to handle complex transactions on a global scale.
Client-centric Focus
Baker McKenzie’s strategic hires align with the firm’s commitment to serving clients’ evolving needs. The incoming team brings with them a wealth of experience, having represented prominent clients such as Intel, Berkshire Hathaway, and Oaktree Capital Management in high-profile transactions.
Munger Tolles Perspective
Munger Tolles expresses well-wishes for the departing lawyers and affirms its continued success amidst the transition. The firm remains optimistic about its financial outlook, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional legal services.
Industry Outlook
Amidst increasing transactional activity, particularly in middle-market private deals and carve-outs, the legal landscape anticipates a surge in deal-making. Baker McKenzie’s strategic recruitment reflects a proactive approach to meet the growing demand for sophisticated legal counsel in complex transactions.
The departure of key talent from Munger Tolles and their integration into Baker McKenzie’s robust platform underscores the dynamism of the legal industry and the strategic imperatives driving law firms’ growth and evolution.
