Cyrus R. Vance Jr.
Biography
Cyrus Vance Jr. has earned a well-deserved international reputation as a trial attorney with a proven track record in high-stake litigation and global investigations. As the Co-Chair of Baker McKenzie's North America Government Enforcement Practice, Cyrus is well-known for his expertise in white collar criminal investigations, complex civil and criminal litigation, sanctions enforcement, compliance and cybersecurity. With over three decades of experience in both public and private sector, Cyrus provides invaluable guidance to clients navigating cross-border investigations, enforcement matters, and cybersecurity incidents.
Prior to joining the Firm, Cyrus served three consecutive four-year terms as Manhattan District Attorney, overseeing a team of over 600 prosecutors. He handled landmark criminal prosecutions, including successful litigation before the U.S. Supreme Court, the investigation and prosecution of Harvey Weinstein for sex crimes, and the investigations and prosecutions of major, foreign banks for sanctions violations. He also managed more than 100,000 cases annually, including complex white collar, terrorism, cybercrime and business crimes both domestically and internationally. Cyrus regularly collaborated with regulatory and crime-fighting partners such as the City of London Police, Paris Prosecutors' Office, Singapore Attorney General, Europol and Interpol, and is known for his ability to build and manage teams collaboratively across borders and agencies.
Practice Focus
As Global Chair of the Cybersecurity Practice at Baker McKenzie, Cyrus is at the forefront of cybersecurity law. He co-founded New York City's Cyber Critical Infrastructure Task Force, establishing one of the first public-private partnerships dedicated to mitigating cyber risks on critical infrastructure. Cyrus also founded the Global Cyber Alliance (GCA), a global non-profit consortium providing expert guidance on cyber risks and prevention to members worldwide.
Cyrus is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a sought-after speaker and author. He has testified numerous times before the US Senate and House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees, among others, as well as state and city agencies, on issues ranging from global terrorism, white collar crime, cybercrime, sex trafficking, corporate transparency and gun violence, demonstrating the breadth of his credibility and expertise in the legal field. Throughout his career, Cyrus has been a vocal advocate on justice issues, amplifying his dedication to promoting fairness and the rule of law.
By leveraging his extensive experience and successful track record, Cyrus effectively guides clients through high-profile cases and complex legal matters. His strategic approach, coupled with his deep understanding of global investigations and cybersecurity, makes him a trusted advisor in today's evolving legal landscape.
Professional Honors
- Selected as a leading lawyer in the "2024 Lawdragon 500 Global Leading Cyber Lawyers"
- City and State Law Power 100 List: New York’s top legal experts, 2023
- Chevalier in the National Order of Mérit, awarded by the President of France for distinguished merit or achievements, 2023
- The Fund for Modern Courts, Vance Tribute and Award for Public Service given to a public servant who has made the New York State Court system more efficient, fair and accessible to all, 2022
- Citizens' Crime Commission Theodore Roosevelt Leadership Award for pioneering leadership in the field of Criminal Justice, 2021
- New York State District Attorneys' Association Frank Hogan Award, 2021
- Ambassador of Forensic Scientists' Award for investment to test backlogged rape kits nationally, 2020
- Georgetown University Law Center's Robert F. Drinan Public Service Award, 2017
- Heart of Gold Award from Joyful Heart Foundation, 2017
- Presidential Award of Excellence from National Black Prosecutors' Association, 2016
- David Dinkins Civic Leadership Award, 2016
- Gifford's Law Center Courageous Leadership Award, 2016
- US Attorney General’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Community Partnerships for Public Safety, 2013
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Co-Founder, NYC Cyber Critical Infrastructure Task Force, 2019–present
- Co-Founder, Global Cyber Alliance and Board Co-Chair, 2015–present
- Co-Founder, Prosecutors Against Gun Violence, 2015–2021
- Board Member, American Prosecutors’ Association, 2011–2021
- Co-Chair, New York State Sentencing Commission, 2010–2015
- President, New York State District Attorneys’ Association, 2012–2013
Admissions
- U.S. Supreme Court~United States (1995)
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington~United States (1990)
- Washington~United States (1989)
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York~United States (1988)
- District of Columbia~United States (1985)
- New York~United States (1983)
Education
- Georgetown University Law Center (JD) (1982)
- Yale University (BA) (1977)
Languages
- English