Chicago, February 7, 2008– Baker & McKenzie LLP announced today that LINK Unlimited will recognize the Firm’s more than 30 years of support during LINK’s Fourth Annual Dream Keepers Awards Gala on Thursday, February 7, 2008. LINK Unlimited is Chicago’s oldest scholarship and mentoring organization serving economically-disadvantaged African-American youth. Currently, more than a dozen Partners and staff from the Firm’s Chicago office sponsor LINK students.

“We are grateful for this recognition,” said Phil Suse, Managing Partner of Baker & McKenzie in Chicago and LINK Board Member. “Supporting LINK just made sense for us. We understand that access to quality education is a right everyone deserves. And we never forget that our Firm started right here in Chicago, so local issues are important.”

Baker & McKenzie Partner and LINK Board Member Emeritus, Bob Berner Jr., introduced LINK to the Firm. He was first introduced to the organization by his father, Robert Berner. Now, Bob’s son, John Berner, serves on the LINK Board of Directors.

Commenting on the Firm’s relationship with LINK, Bob Berner, Jr. said: “LINK is a natural fit for Baker & McKenzie because of the Firm’s long-standing commitment to diversity and education. Partnering with LINK has been a part of three generations in my family. After seeing how much of a positive impact I was as a mentor to these students, I knew my colleagues would find it just as fulfilling.”

Founded in 1966, LINK has helped more than 1,400 students to obtain a college preparatory education at the high school of their choice. Each student is paired with a sponsor who offers one-on-one guidance and encourages scholarship motivation. Every LINK graduated senior since the year 2000 has enrolled in a four-year college or university, most of them with full or significant scholarships.