Global law firm Baker McKenzie is proud to announce that partners Maurice Bellan, Veleka Peeples-Dyer and Joyce Smith have been selected to Savoy magazine's 2022 list of the Most Influential Black Lawyers. This comprehensive list features the "best of the best" Black partners from leading law firms as well as corporate counsel from Fortune 1000 companies. Savoy's list includes an influential cross section of legal professionals representing a diverse range of expertise.
"On behalf of the Firm, I would like to congratulate Maurice, Veleka and Joyce on this prestigious recognition," said Colin Murray, Baker McKenzie's North America Chief Executive Officer. "With our continued focus on creating a fully inclusive workplace, we proudly look to these inspiring leaders who not only exemplify great professional success, but also continued commitment to mentoring the next generation."
Maurice Bellan is the managing partner of the Washington, DC office and a member of the Global Dispute Resolution and North America Litigation and Government Enforcement Steering Committees. He leads the Firm's False Claims Act (FCA) and Government Contracts Practice and his work routinely involves FCA compliance, investigations and litigation, bid proposal review and advice, suspension and debarment investigations and negotiations, protection of intellectual property in government contracting and defense against stark and anti-kickback allegations. Maurice regularly counsels clients in industries heavily regulated by US federal programs or engaged in any activity that is sponsored by the federal government.
Veleka Peeples-Dyer is chair of the North America Food and Drug Practice and a member of the North America Healthcare & Life Sciences Steering Committee. She focuses her practice on assisting clients with regulatory, compliance and enforcement matters for FDA-regulated products, including food, cosmetics, drugs and medical devices. Veleka represents clients in research, pre-launch, launch, commercialization and licensing activities for first-in-class products and other innovative products.
Joyce Smith chairs the California International Commercial Group, leads the Global IP Transactions and Tax Practice and is a member of the North America International Commercial Practice Group Steering Committee. Her practice focuses on advising multinational companies on complex global business transactions, transformations and expansions, including tax, corporate and supply chain restructurings; IP migrations; spin offs; M&A; and post-acquisition integrations, with a particular focus on the commercial, IP/tech, compliance and intercompany aspects involved with the design, planning and implementation of these transactions. Joyce has represented clients ranging from start-ups to large multinational corporations in a variety of industries with a focus on technology, healthcare and life sciences.
The full listing of Savoy's 2022 Most Influential Black Lawyers is available here.