Baker McKenzie LLP > Houston, United States > Firm Profile

Baker McKenzie LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 1

International trade and national security > Customs, export controls and economic sanctions Tier 1

Forming a key part of its wider global trade compliance practice, Baker McKenzie LLP’s US trade group finds favor for its ‘inter-office collaboration’, which sources say brings ‘valuable insights and solutions to clients engaging in global business operations’. This is particularly evident on the exports and economic sanctions side, where the team’s international platform marks it as a top choice to advise on overlapping multinational regulatory regimes and initiatives. Washington DC-based department co-head Janet Kim is recommended for her focus on outbound trade compliance issues, including sanctions, export control laws, investment restrictions and anti-corruption. Fellow practice co-head Alison Stafford Powell, based in Palo Alto, is a dual US- and England and Wales-qualified trade specialist; she represents clients in the full range of export controls and sanctions matters, including regulations administered by OFAC and the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Also noted for sanctions and export controls are Washington DC’s Kerry Contini; newly promoted partner Eunkyung Kim Shin, who is based in Chicago; and San Francisco-based senior counsel John McKenzie, whose broad practice spans sanctions, export controls and customs matters. The customs group also draws on Meredith DeMent, who handles the full range of customs compliance and duty mitigation strategies—she also contributes significant trade litigation expertise. In January 2024, the firm hired customs-focused senior counsel Chandri Navarro, who was formerly at Hogan Lovells US LLP.

Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection) Tier 1

Recommended for its ‘comprehensive global insights and knowledge‘, Baker McKenzie LLP‘s data privacy and cybersecurity practice assists its clients in developing comprehensive privacy programs, carrying out complex cross-border data transfers, and handling challenging data breach incidents. Brian Hengesbaugh, based in Chicago, chairs the firm’s global data privacy and security business unit: his experience in the development and implementation of domestic and international privacy policy informing advisory work in global data privacy matters, direct marketing information management, and data-driven transactions. The firm’s global cybersecurity practice is headed from New York by Cyrus Vance, who handles high-stakes litigation and global investigations: also an area of strength for Elizabeth Roper. In Palo Alto, Cynthia Cole pairs intellectual property transactions experience with digital transformation and cybersecurity expertise, supporting clients across the media, energy, healthcare, and life sciences industries. The ‘knowledgeable and approachable‘ Lothar Determann , also in Palo Alto, regularly advises on data privacy law compliance as well as information technology commercialization. Rachel Ehlers is the key name in Houston, with a practice focusing on technology transactions and cybersecurity. Stephen Reynolds departed the team in June 2023.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 1

Baker McKenzie LLP‘s tax controversy practice represents a diverse array of prominent companies and individuals in the full spectrum of tax disputes, including appeals, audits, and litigation. In addition to a robust federal and SALT offering, the group is noted for its strength in international matters, benefiting from the firm’s global network of offices. George Clarke leads the department from Washington DC and covers the full array of tax disputes at the federal and international levels, including both civil and criminal matters. Also in DC are Duane Webber, a key contact for international disputes and a member of the firm’s Global Executive Committee, and transfer pricing expert Salim Rahim, who is chair of the firm’s broader North America tax practice. Mark Oates, based in Chicago, covers an array of international contentious tax matters, with particular strengths in transfer pricing. Key names in the New York office include Maria Eberle, who chairs the SALT sub-practice, and senior counsel Daniel Rosen, who is experienced in a range of domestic and international disputes.

Dispute resolution > International litigation Tier 2

The ‘very knowledgeable and resourceful‘ practice at Baker McKenzie is adept at handling cross-border disputes, acting on a wide array of high-profile matters. The team is led out of San Francisco and Washington by Mark Goodman and Jennifer Ancona Semko, with expertise in state and federal courts. Los Angeles-based Teresa Michaud is integral to the team, with a focus on TMT related matters and class actions. William Roppolo, operating out of Miami, leads the government enforcement practice and is a key practitioner, alongside Daniela Fonseca Puggina from the same office.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 2

Baker McKenzie ‘pursues all available legal theories’ for its clients. North America securities litigation chair Perrie Weiner has helped the firm build a prominent role in the market- it is frequently involved in high-profile regulatory actions and securities fraud cases. Weiner is noted for his ‘analytical skills’ and recently secured the dismissal of a class action against Imunon that arose from the company’s work on Thermodox, a candidate drug for treating liver cancer. Clients also praise Aaron Goodman, Edward Totino and of counsel Ben Turner who are the main practitioners in Los Angeles. Goodman worked with Weiner to win a jurisdictional challenge in the Central District of California for a London-based client in a case concerning the assets of a Geneva trust worth approximately $1bn. Peter Tomczak and Jerome Tomas are the key partners in Chicago. 

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 2

Praised by clients as ‘the best for cross-border transactions’, Baker McKenzie LLP advises public and private entities on employee benefits, executive compensation, and equity compensation in domestic and multi-jurisdictional M&A, spin-offs, and workforce reductions. The firm serves a diverse sector range, including healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and gaming. Practice chair Barbara Klementz, based in San Francisco, is known for her expertise in implementing global incentive programs and navigating the tax implications for cross-border employee participation. San Francisco’s Denise Glagau specializes in the tax and legal aspects of employee share plans and the international expansion of equity plans during IPOs. Sinead Kelly, another San Francisco team member, focuses on the effects of corporate transactions and reorganizations on compensation structures. In Chicago, Maura Ann McBreen offers guidance to C-suite executives and employers on compensation strategies and tax-qualified retirement plans. Thomas Asmar in Palo Alto advises public and private companies, as well as private equity funds on the benefits and compensation issues that emerge from M&A and IPO activities.

Labor and employment > Workplace and employment counseling Tier 2

The Baker McKenzie LLP employment and labor practice has a strong global focus and is a top choice for employers with an international presence, requiring advice across a variety of jurisdictions. For example, the firm recently advised Alphabet on its acquisition of AI start-up, Alter, touching on legal matters across the Czech Republic, Philippines, Poland and Spain. Susan Eandi, based in Palo Alto, is both the chair of the firm’s North America employment and compensation team, and the head of the firm’s global employment and labor law practice for North America. San Francisco-based Benjamin Ho is sought after for cross-border employment matters. Operating from Los Angeles, Robin Samuel excels in litigation and collective claims, among other employment disputes. Kimberly Lower is based in New York, and focuses on labor, employment, and immigration issues surrounding M&A, spin-offs, among other corporate transactions.

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 2

The Chicago-based team at Baker McKenzie LLP counts digital transformations, integration and maintenance agreements, and systems procurement within its scope of work. Recognized for its track record in advising global domestic companies on ITO and BPO transactions, the firm also handles data security issues and matters related to e-commerce, social media, and online communication. The department is jointly led by specialist Peter George and expert Samuel Kramer. George covers complex business transactions, robotic process automation, and cross-border sourcing transactions involving accounting and finance, while Kramer is engaged by clients to handle IT procurement work, supply chain agreements, supply chain integration, and fintech projects. Michael Mensik is experienced in counselling companies on the structuring and negotiation of sourcing arrangements within the IT and data privacy spaces. Adam Aft is well-versed in back-office transformations and advising corporations on new trends driving businesses, including AI and data monetization.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 2

At Baker McKenzie LLP, the technology transactions department routinely works with major national and global corporations from the tech, financial services, and insurance sectors to guide them through matters involving machine learning, AI, systems procurement, IP rights, IT joint ventures, and cross-border data transfers. The practice is co-led by Peter George, who assists clients with licensing transactions and electronic contracting matters, and Samuel Kramer, who concentrates on complex commercial contracting, fintech matters, and supply chain integration. Michael Mensik is noted for advising on the domestic and foreign operations of IT companies and also routinely handles data protection concerns. In Palo Alto, Cynthia Cole demonstrates strengths in digital transformations, IP matters, and cybersecurity strategy, while Lisa Fontenot covers the tech and media elements of cross-border M&A deals. Unless otherwise specified, all individuals mentioned are stationed in Chicago.

Tax > International tax Tier 2

Drawing upon its international platform, Baker McKenzie LLP advises multinational companies on the full spectrum of international tax planning matters including multijurisdictional supply chain, M&A, IP company, post-acquisition integration, and restructuring. The team also supports on tax policy, tax disputes, and transfer pricing issues. The tax team is co-led by Washington DC-based Salim Rahim, Reza Nader, who sits in the New York office, and Julia Skubis Weber, who is based in Chicago. Nader routinely advises clients on tax structuring for global transactions, regularly as part of dispositions, acquisitions, or legal entity rationalization projects. Weber supports multinational and foreign-owned clients on cross-border tax issues, including internal reorganizations, structuring of outbound and inbound investments, foreign tax credits, subpart F, PFICs, withholding and treaty analysis. In Palo Alto, Stewart Lipeles advises US-based multinational corporations in connection with international tax planning and global tax projects. Also in Palo Alto, Sibel Owji‘s practice is focused on corporate international tax, global transfer pricing strategy and documentation, and international tax controversy whilst Robin Chesler focuses on international tax planning for US multinationals. Los Angeles-based Ethan Kroll has significant experience handling US international income taxation matters. In Miami, Robert Moore advises on tax planning for US and foreign-based multinational corporations and partnerships focused on luxury hotel, residences, and resorts, real estate development, and consumer goods and retail in luxury and fashion.

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 3

‘Very responsive, commercial, and problem-solving oriented‘, Baker McKenzie LLP‘s renewable energy offering is a frequent fixture in financing deals across both domestic and international projects. The wider firm’s international scope and structure makes it a popular destination for foreign clients investing into the US renewables market. A trio of partners coordinate the industry group: Clyde Rankin, senior counsel at the New York office and a veteran advisor to sponsors on energy projects; José Morán in Chicago, who has a strong recent track record in wind projects; and James O’Brien, who is also based in Chicago and is a senior figure across project financing. Further key figures include Stan Sirot and tax expert Maher Haddad, both of whom also work at the Chicago office.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: non-contentious (including prosecution, portfolio management and licensing) Tier 3

With varied capabilities that cover domestic and international portfolio management and transactions and licensing mandates, Baker McKenzie LLP is regularly entrusted by clients such as Unilever and Swarovski to assist with complex trademark matters. Pamela Church helms the practice from the firm’s New York office, providing the group with significant counseling experience across media, entertainment, technology, life sciences and luxury goods sectors. Operating from the firm’s Chicago office is David Davis, whose expertise across IP coordination, counseling and domain name issues strengthens the team. Joshua Wolkoff and Alysha Preston are other key names to note in the practice. Lisa Rosaya departed the firm in January 2024.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: design Tier 3

Drawing on the significant strengths of its international network, Baker McKenzie LLP is one of the best-equipped firms to provide employee benefits and executive compensation services to major cross-border clients. In the US, the practice has a robust presence in both the West Coast and East Coast. In San Francisco, Barbara Klementz, chair of the North American compensation practice, is adept at amending stock incentives and employee stock purchase plans for clients in multiple, international jurisdictions. At the same office, Sinead Kelly bolsters the firm’s compensation practice with her specialisms in both US executive compensation and global equity. Also in San Francisco, Denise Glagau often works with Kelly on advising clients on employee share purchase plans and executive share programs. At the Chicago office, Maura Ann McBreen often advises clients on cross-border equity-based incentives, while Angélique Poret-Kahn is active across employee reward grants and stock option grants for international employees.

Labor and employment > Immigration Tier 3

A several offices nationwide, Baker McKenzie LLP deals with complex immigration matters and works closely with employment, corporate and tax teams to offer provide a full-service offering. With extensive experience catering to global companies, the firm also marshals specialized knowledge of several industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, consumer products and finance. It is also notable for its expertise in guiding clients through rapidly changing compliancy issues following enhanced border security and labor validation requirements. The practice is led by the highly experienced Betsy Stelle Morgan, a specialist in corporate and employment-based immigration law. She is supported by Ginger Partee, who is especially knowledgeable of immigration in the context of manufacturing and engineering industries, and corporate immigration specialist, Melissa Allchin – both of whom practice in Chicago. Matthew Gorman operates from the Washington DC office and handles work visa petition, permanent residence and immigration compliance.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 3

Primarily advising large multinational corporations and private equity fund sponsors, the Baker McKenzie LLP team is highly adept at ‘bridging gaps’ in complex multi-jurisdictional M&A proceedings, while also offering clients extesnive experience with divestitures and joint venture transactions. Alan Zoccolillo heads the outfit from New York and specializes in corporate restructurings and investment transactions, while Palo Alto-based Leif King is an expert in spin-offs and recapitalizations. From Chicago, Michael DeFranco focuses on corporate finance and securities matters, David Malliband routinely counsels both domestic and international companies on cross-border transactions, and Olivia Tyrrell is knowledgeable on strategic alliances ad carve-outs. The ‘committed’ Airi Hammalov concentrates on strategic investments from New York, and San Francisco-based Derek Liu advises startups on inbound growth and venture capital investments.

Transport > Aviation and air travel: litigation and regulation Tier 3

Baker McKenzie LLP‘s ‘aviation team is top notch’. The practice routinely assists major aviation sector clients with regulatory matters, commercial issues, investigations, and enforcement proceedings. The team additionally advises on aviation-related licensing, transactions, taxation, and environmental reviews. The group is notably active in restructuring work, investments in air carriers, financings involving pledges of slots, routes, and gates, and appellate litigation. It also comprises experts in new aviation technologies, such as drones, electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, smart cities, digitization, and advanced air mobility. Chairing the global aviation group from DC, Jennifer Trock also leads the firm’s unmanned aircraft systems focus team. Over in New York, the track record of Clyde (Skip) Rankin III includes advising a large international airline (along with its airline partners) on the redevelopment and financing of a major international airport terminal.

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 4

Described by clients as ‘a strong cartel team of former enforcers and private litigators’, Baker McKenzie LLP's team collaborates with the firm’s offices across the globe to handle cartel investigations, related civil litigation, and merger clearance work in industries such as luxury fashion, shipping, and security. The team is steered by Mark Hamer and Creighton Macy, both leading numerous of the firm’s high-stake investigation matters. Brian Burke is sought out by clients from various sectors, including healthcare, technology, power infrastructure, and telecommunications, while New York’s Jeffrey Martino is praised for ‘extensive experience in both domestic and international cartel matters’, and offers strength at the intersection of antitrust law and white-collar crime. Former DOJ prosecutor Ashley Eickhof is a specialist in criminal cartel defense with experience before federal courts. Unless stated otherwise, all mentioned lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Baker McKenzie LLP stands out for its wealth of experience navigating cross-border investigations in jurisdictions across the globe. The team routinely represents multinational corporations and senior executives under investigation by the SEC and DOJ. Peter Tomczak and Jerome Tomas head the team in Chicago. Tomczak is an expert on FCPA matters, while Tomas has significant experience advising on investigations into securities fraud, insider trading, and money laundering. Leading the team in New York, William Devaney is especially skilled at handling international investigations, including cases relating to false claims, bribery, and embezzlement. Cyrus Vance and Elizabeth Roper are also based in New York, both of whom have expertise in cybercrime. Further to this, the firm has a capable team practicing out of the Washington DC office, which includes Brian Whisler and Maurice Bellan. In particular, Whisler has in-depth experience advising on allegations of health care fraud, public corruption, and tax violations. Marilyn Batonga departed the Washington DC office in November 2023.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 4

Composed of ‘bright, persuasive and creative team-players’, Baker McKenzie LLP’s international arbitration group is distinguished by its ability to plug into one of the largest practices globally. Among its other core attributes, the US team stands out for its extensive national platform—which includes partners across the East and West Coasts—and also for its experience in major emerging markets, including former CIS states, Latin America and China. Recommended names include New York’s Andrew Riccio, who co-chairs the North America international arbitration practice; Houston-based senior counsel Brendan Cook, who specializes in construction, manufacturing and energy-related disputes. Eugenie Rogers has left the firm.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: consumer products (including tobacco) Tier 4

With a core group of product liability and consumer class action lawyers primarily located on the West Coast, and broader commercial litigation resources nationally, Baker McKenzie LLP provides comprehensive coverage to consumer product manufacturers throughout the litigation continuum, with work spanning risk management advice, product recall matters, engagement with regulators and full-scale MDLs and class action litigation. San Francisco-based team head Mark Goodman has a good pedigree within the food and beverages space, regularly defending clients on false labeling and advertising consumer class actions, as well as acting in core product liability claims. He has handled numerous matters for US multinational food company Mondelēz, including recently successfully securing its dismissal as one of the defendants in a landmark environmental nuisance and consumer fraud action brought in relation to plastic packaging.

Environment > Environment: regulatory Tier 4

The environmental team at Baker McKenzie LLP attracts a spread of multinationals from across key industries such as the oil and gas, renewables, pharmaceuticals, mining and industrial sectors seeking advice on regulatory compliance, enforcement and litigation. John Watson leads the practice from Chicago, developing compliance programs and sustainability initiatives for US and multinational companies alike. David Hackett, of the Chicago office, is a trusted advisor to nonprofits, major corporations and legal departments on US and international environmental risk and compliance, while over in San Francisco Mark Goodman handles product liability, risk mitigation and cross-border disputes. Colleen Baime, who joined the Chicago office from McDermott Will & Emery LLP  in mid-2023, is also a key name.

Finance > Project finance Tier 4

Working across the full spectrum of projects counsel from a lenders, sponsors and borrowers focus, Baker McKenzie LLP advises on a number of debt and equity financing transactions that are largely concentrated in the renewables and energy transition space. The firm also features a formidable tax practice and applies its longstanding expertise to advise on novel tax equity financing structures. The New York and Chicago trio of Clyde Rankin, José Morán, and James O’Brien jointly chair the practice and as a collective provide extensive project finance acumen to a diverse roster of clients. Clyde has been engaged with multiple inner-city renewable installation ventures over the past twelve months, most notably involving the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York, while José is noted for his vast cross-border practice that encompasses Latin American transport projects and renewable developments in Canada. James is highly reputed for his ability advise across an entire project lifecycle as well as his tax expertise. Further names of note include New York’s Mark Tibberts , who has recently been active on marine and manufacturing builds, Chicago’s Stan Sirot, who is a chief advisor to key client Hannon Armstrong, and Toronto’s Matthew Martin, who carries a strong PPP offering.    

Intellectual property > Patents: prosecution (including re-examination and post-grant proceedings) Tier 4

‘Seasoned partner in patent prosecution’ Richard Wells who is based in Washington DC, is a key name to note in Baker McKenzie LLP‘s patent prosecution team, which has IP litigation specialist John Flaim at its helm. At the same base, Mackenzie Martin is focused on litigation, counseling, licensing and portfolio strategy matters while Vas Vedantam has particular expertise assisting in patent procurement relating to software and hardware tech. Jessica Greenwald, also in Dallas, is experienced managing and strategizing portfolios with international scope. The practice’s caseload features matters involving prosecuting patent applications to issuance, assisting in USPTO proceedings, and securing and safeguarding invention rights.

Intellectual property > Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters) Tier 4

International trade and national security > CFIUS Tier 4

Lawyers in Baker McKenzie’s Washington DC-based CFUIS practice are praised by clients as ‘extraordinarily knowledgeable, experienced and responsive’. The team handles a steady stream of multi-jurisdictional national security filings, with its ability to partner up with international FDI specialists from across the global firm standing as a key asset for multinational clients. A former Special Assistant to the President on National Security Affairs, Rod Hunter has a strong record in coordinating foreign investment review assessments and filings across multiple jurisdictions. Sylwia Lis, who co-heads the team together with Hunter, advises on a wide scope of international trade matters, with a focus on CFIUS and export controls and economic sanctions.

International trade and national security > Trade remedies and trade policy Tier 4

Baker McKenzie LLP’s Washington DC-based team has been advising clients on Section 301 issues regarding tariffs on products imported from China. The group, which also plugs into the wider firm’s global trade practice, additionally contributes extensive experience in trade remedy litigation, WTO matters and trade agreements. Christine Streatfeild is the key contact for trade remedies work and is well versed in antidumping and countervailing duty cases. A former senior director at the National Security Council, Rod Hunter is noted for his broad trade and investment practice that takes in WTO matters and Section 301 investigations.

Labor and employment > Labor and employment disputes (including collective actions) Tier 4

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 4

Baker McKenzie LLP regularly represents multinational companies in relation to a broad range of non-contentious tax matters. Salim Rahim in Washington DC, specializing in transfer pricing matters, chairs the firm’s sizeable North American tax group. Reza Nader’s broad experience extends to digital economy taxation, including fintech and crypto/blockchain transactions, supply chain restructurings, transfer pricing issues, and reorganizations. Operating from New York, he chairs the tax planning and transactions team alongside Chicago’s Julia Weber, who regularly advises major clients on internal reorganizations, inbound and outbound investment structuring, foreign tax credits, subpart F income, and PFICs, among other issues. Maria Eberle in New York leads on state and local tax matters. DC’s Alexandra Minkovich has notable experience in the life sciences, pharma, retail, and manufacturing sectors. Stephen Long in Dallas focuses on multistate tax issues, while New York-based Lindsay LaCava primarily assists businesses and individuals with local and state tax planning.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 5

With standout capabilities in antitrust litigation in the life sciences, fashion, and luxury goods space, Baker McKenzie LLP acts for household names on the full range of antitrust matters. The team is particularly adept at handling antitrust elements of large mergers. Global antitrust chair Mark Hamer leverages his agency experience from the Antitrust Division to take point on large class actions involving several defendants, while North American antitrust chair Creighton Macy is the go-to name for litigated merger challenges and investigations. At the associate level, former federal prosecutor Ashley Eickhof ably assists on price-fixing and no-poach class actions in the fashion and luxury goods industry. Unless otherwise stated, all mentioned individuals are based in Washington DC.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 5

Baker McKenzie LLP houses a ‘premier merger control practice’, noted for its ability to handle contentious and non-contentious matters for a diverse range of clients. The team demonstrates strong multijurisdictional capabilities, frequently collaborating with its European counterparts on cross-border merger control mandates. Mark Hamer and Creighton Macy jointly lead the team. Hamer, global antitrust chair, continues to lead on high-profile merger clearances, while North America chair Macy is noted for his work on merger investigations. Both Nandu Machiraju and Mark Weiss were promoted to partner in 2023 and stand out for their expertise in the tech, pharma and healthcare sectors. Attorneys mentioned are based in Washington DC.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 6

Led by Debra Dandeneau and Mark Bloom, Baker McKenzie LLP advises clients including distressed companies, debtors and creditors in domestic and cross-border restructuring matters, The firm provides bankruptcy services including Chapter 11 and Chapter 15 assistance with the team spread across New York and Miami. Paul Keenan represents debtors and creditors in out-of-court restructurings, while Blaire Cahn advises companies on the development and implementation of corporate restructuring strategies.

Finance > Capital markets: global offerings