Baker & McKenzie Announces New Partner: David Watson Joins Corporate Markets Practice
Firm News
19 September 2011
Sydney, Australia, 19 September 2011 – Baker & McKenzie is very pleased to welcome David Watson to the Firm as a partner in the Firm's Corporate Markets practice. David was formerly with Mars, Incorporated as their Regional General Counsel, North America and has worked in London, Dubai, New York and Washington D.C, in addition to Sydney. Prior to joining Mars, he was a corporate partner at Minter Ellison, Sydney.
“Having worked internationally, both in private practice and in-house at the most senior levels, David brings a wealth of M&A and FMCG industry experience. We are very excited that he is joining us”, said Chris Freeland, National Managing Partner of Baker & McKenzie.
In his time at Mars, David’s role as General Counsel included advising the most senior executives on M&A and joint venture transactions, crisis management, product recalls and food law and policy.
“There is a strong cultural and strategic fit for me with Baker & McKenzie. As a former buyer of the firm’s services, I have experienced the quality of their people. I believe the Firm has a competitive advantage over other Australian firms in supporting foreign and Australian multi-national companies,” said Watson.
In the context of the recent arrivals of US and UK law firms into the Australian market, this key hiring signals an increasing need for firms to tap experienced lawyers with an industry focus and international business expertise to support the global growth plans of their clients.