Baker McKenzie Venezuela is thrilled to announce the promotion of Jesús Villegas Ruiz to partner in the Corporate/M&A practice group, effecting from 1 July 2025, a date that marks the beginning of a new fiscal year and in a year in which we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Firm in Venezuela. With this promotion, Baker McKenzie Venezuela strengthens both its corporate and compliance capabilities.
Jesús's experience, acumen, and talent have made him a key member of the Firm and a trusted advisor to our clients. He joined Baker McKenzie in 2022, and since then has developed a successful career, advising clients in the energy, technology, and food sectors, as well as large multinational companies in the beverages and tobacco sectors.
Jesús focuses his practice on regulatory clearance for complex transactions, as well as compliance, corporate governance, internal investigations and regulatory matters. His promotion further solidifies the Firm’s position as a transactional powerhouse. He most recently advised Spanish company Bardinet on the strategic acquisition of Rum Cacique from Diageo, an emblematic deal in the Venezuelan market.
“Jesús is an exceptional lawyer whose deep legal expertise, academic excellence, and commitment to clients have made a significant impact since he joined the Firm. His promotion reflects Baker McKenzie’s continued investment in the growth and development of internal talent, as well as our focus on building a future shaped by excellence and innovation,” commented Ronald Evans, Co-Managing Partner at the Caracas office.
Carlos Felce, also Co-Managing Partner, added: “This promotion is in line with our Firm’s continued commitment to excellence in servicing our clients. Jesus is a very talented lawyer, who provides innovative legal advice and adds substantial value to our clients, helping them seamlessly navigate a complex legal landscape to achieve their business objectives.”
Globally, Baker McKenzie announced the promotion of 59 lawyers to partner[i], effective 1 July 2025. With 48 lateral partners also joining Baker McKenzie's offices this financial year, the Firm has added a total of 107 partners globally since 1 July 2024.
[i] Promotions made across Baker McKenzie's Member Firms. References to "partner" means a person who is a partner or partner equivalent in a Member Firm, and references to an "office" means an office of any such Member Firm.