Leading global law firm Baker McKenzie today announces five leadership appointments in North America, which took effect July 1, 2022.* The Firm has appointed new Managing Partners in its Toronto, Mexico and Texas offices and new Chairs of its North America Employment & Compensation Practice and North America International Commercial Practice.
The leadership appointments are:
• George Avraam: Managing Partner, Toronto Office
• Susan Eandi: Chair, North America Employment & Compensation Practice
• Pepe Larroque: Managing Partner, Mexico Offices
• Will Woods: Chair, North America International Commercial Practice
• Michelle Hartmann: Managing Partner, Texas Offices*
"Congratulations to our appointees taking on new leadership positions," said Colin Murray, North America Chief Executive Officer. "Careful consideration goes into our leadership selection process, and I am confident that George, Susan, Pepe, Will and Michelle will continue raising the bar within their offices and practices. They are proven leaders, dedicated to our clients and our people. I look forward to working with them in their new roles as we continue to drive our Firm forward and deliver superior service to our clients."
George Avraam has been named Managing Partner of the Firm's Toronto office. George previously chaired the North America Employment and Compensation Practice Group and is recognized as one of Canada's leading labour, employment, human rights, administrative and public law litigators. George is a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers and is ranked in Benchmark Litigation, Chambers, Legal 500, Lexpert, Who's Who Legal (Canada and Global) and Best Lawyers in Canada.
Susan Eandi has been named Chair of the North America Employment & Compensation Practice Group. She also leads the Firm's North America Global Employment and Labor Law Practice Group and is a member of the Firm's Global Employment & Compensation Steering Committee and North America Regional Management Committee. Susan has been recognized as a leader in employment law by The Daily Journal, Legal 500, PLC and is a Chambers-ranked attorney.
Pepe Larroque has been named Managing Partner of the Firm's Mexico offices in Mexico City, Juarez, Monterrey, Guadalajara and Tijuana. Pepe previously led the Banking & Finance Group in North America and the Global Real Estate Practice Group, with 30 years of experience practicing in his field. He is recognized as a leading practitioner in real estate law by Chambers Latin America and speaks regularly on topics relating to his area of practice. He has also authored a number of articles for various publications and co-authored the Mexico Section of the Firm's Global Real Estate Taxation Guide.
Will Woods has been named Chair of the North America International Commercial Practice Group. Based in Dallas, he served as a member of the North America International Commercial Steering Committee. Will is a Certified Franchise Executive and a leading franchise lawyer who has been listed in Chambers USA and Chambers Global every year since 2010. He is regularly named one of the Best Lawyers in Dallas by D Magazine. He is the Immediate Past Chair of the ABA Forum on Franchising.
Michelle Hartmann has been named Managing Partner of the Firm's Texas offices in Dallas and Houston.* Based in Dallas, Michelle is also co-chair of the Firm’s North America Trial Team and a member of the Firm’s North America Litigation Steering Committee. Michelle is consistently recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer and by Best Lawyers in Dallas for Business Litigation and Employment Litigation, and as a leading lawyer in America in the area of Trade Secrets.
* Michelle Hartmann's appointment is effective July 1, 2023.