Paul Virtue, Former INS General Counsel, Joins Baker & McKenzie
Firm News
December 17, 2009
Washington, D.C., December 17, 2009 – Paul Virtue joins Baker & McKenzie LLP as a partner in the Firm’s Washington, D.C. office. Virtue has been recognized by Chambers USA, Chambers Global and Legal 500 as a leading lawyer in immigration law.
Virtue has more than 25 years of experience in immigration law and related policy, regulatory, and legislative areas. He served as the Executive Associate Commissioner and General Counsel of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). As General Counsel, Paul was the agency’s Chief Legal Officer supervising a nationwide litigation staff of more than 600 attorneys and providing legal and policy advice to the INS Commissioner and senior officials, the Attorney General, the White House, and other federal agencies on issues under INS jurisdiction. He also participated in drafting the immigration provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Virtue joins Baker & McKenzie from Hogan & Hartson, where he was a partner.
With more than 140 legal professionals located in 30 jurisdictions around the world, Baker & McKenzie’s Global Migration and Executive Transfers practice helps multinational companies address their most challenging workforce needs. The Firm assists clients with all aspects of migration – policy, compliance, expatriate transfer and relocation, and integrated management of organization-wide international assignment programs.
“We are pleased to have a partner of Paul’s stature join the Firm,” said Kevin O’Brien, managing partner of the Firm’s Washington, D.C. office. “Paul's expertise adds to Baker & McKenzie's core strengths in international commerce."
Elizabeth Stern, chair of Baker & McKenzie’s Global Migration & Executive Transfers Group, added that “Paul is a natural fit with our focus on top-level compliance. He brings to the table the rich expertise of a senior government official who has also led a major commercial immigration practice. We are delighted to have him join us as a leader in our US and global immigration practices.”