Liz joins the Firm from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office; brings more than 15 years of investigations and enforcement experience
Global law firm Baker McKenzie has added former Manhattan District Attorney's Office Bureau Chief Elizabeth (Liz) Roper as a Partner in the Firm’s New York office, further expanding its cybersecurity, cross-border investigations and data privacy offerings for clients.
Liz most recently served as Bureau Chief for the Cybercrime and Identity Theft Bureau in the Manhattan DA's office. In that position, Liz directed the investigation and prosecution of all types of cybercrime impacting Manhattan, including sophisticated cyber-enabled financial crime such as identity theft, payment card fraud, and money laundering; network intrusions, hacking, ransomware, and “middleman” attacks; intellectual property theft; “dark web” trafficking of contraband; and the theft and illicit use of cryptocurrencies. Many of the matters she supervised over the years involved unique cutting-edge financial frauds and cybercrimes where she was able to lead the charge in this uncharted territory.
Liz joins Baker McKenzie following the arrival of Cyrus R. Vance Jr., former Manhattan District Attorney, who joined Baker McKenzie in January as Global Chair of the Firm's Cybersecurity Practice. Liz will be a member of the Firm's North America Litigation & Government Enforcement Practice and Global Disputes Practice.
Added Cyrus, “I worked closely with Liz for many years in the DA's Office, and she is an exceptional practitioner. As clients look for guidance on investigations and sensitive business matters, Liz will be their first call. Her collaborative nature and broad expertise in the investigation and litigation of cybercrime fits squarely within our group’s needs."
Liz also has unmatched understanding of the ways in which law enforcement, regulatory agencies, and public companies can work together to increase cyber-resilience and security, having worked successfully with government, including the US Secret Service, NYPD, New York's DFS, and private-sector partners, including financial institutions and electronic communications service providers, to share information and work strategically around cybercrime and public safety.
Liz’s experience and expertise addresses multiple key client concerns. “Having spent her career as a prosecutor in New York focusing on cybercrime, Liz brings invaluable government experience and practical insights to managing cyber risk and investigating a variety of cyber incidents," said Peter Tomczak, Chair of Baker McKenzie's North America Litigation and Government Enforcement Practice. "Liz is a tremendous addition to our team and to our clients in this sensitive, business-critical area."
Concluded Melinda Phelan, a member of Baker McKenzie's Global Executive Committee, “Under Cyrus’ leadership, we have continued to expand our cybersecurity offerings for clients, and Liz adds further depth to our capabilities as a highly respected New York enforcement official. Our clients continue to cite cyber risk as a chief concern, and they need practical, business-focused solutions to secure their data and mitigate risks. Liz will provide exactly that."
Baker McKenzie’s robust Cybersecurity and Investigations, Compliance & Ethics teams work with businesses to establish a solid framework that allows clients to meet their business objectives while growing securely. The Firm offers pragmatic, risk-based guidance through acquisitions and integrations; attacks, breaches and investigations; and offensive or defensive actions and litigation. By connecting investigations and rapid crisis response with effective risk management solutions, the groups’ integrated approach helps clients calibrate risk globally and safeguard their businesses.
Liz received her BA from Vassar College and her JD from Fordham University School of Law. She spent her legal career at the Manhattan's DA's Office, joining as an Assistant District Attorney in 2006.
“I am thrilled to join Baker McKenzie and its esteemed Cybersecurity team,” said Liz. “I look forward to working with Cyrus again as we draw on our government experience to help our clients address and navigate cyber risks in this complex regulatory environment.”