The Recent Years
By 1987, Baker & McKenzie would become the first to employ 1,000 lawyers. We would double that number in a decade and triple it by 2001. We would also become the first to reach US$1 billion in global revenue. To keep up, we focus more than ever on quality and systems to maintain our standards.
1987
Our attorney roster reaches 1,000, making us the first law firm in the world to reach this size.
1988
After more than a decade of system development at the local and regional level, we introduce a global communications network. Today, our technology infrastructure is recognized as a leader among law firms worldwide.
1989
We become one of the first international law firms in Moscow. Just two years later, the government would retain our firm to handle the largest privatization in Soviet history – Volga Automobile Associated Works, maker of 60 percent of the cars in the Soviet Union.
1996
We are the first global law firm to adopt a quality audit program. The program establishes a formal inspection of each office's operations and quality assurance procedures every three years. Our 2,000th lawyer joins the firm, in Kyiv.
1998
We introduce a formal Client Service Program, creating dedicated teams to ensure seamless, high-quality work for major clients.
1999
We celebrate our 50th anniversary. Christine Lagarde, a French national who specializes in antitrust and labor law, is the first woman elected chairman of the Executive Committee.
2001
Our roster of lawyers reaches 3,000. For the first time, global revenues exceed US$1 billion.
2003
We centralize our IT services through shared-service centers in North America and Asia. Legal IT honors our firm with the Best Global Use of IT award.
2004
Twelve former partners of Mancera Ernst & Young join our regional and global tax practices in Mexico. We open our 69th office in Chihuahua, Mexico.
John Conroy is elected chairman of the Executive Committee.
2005
Approximately 70 partners and other legal staff from Coudert Brothers joined our Firm in New York, more than doubling the size of our existing New York office. For the first time, we are listed as one of New York's largest law firms in the New York Law Journal's annual NYLJ 100.