Baker McKenzie Adds Seasoned Trial Lawyer Colleen Baime in Chicago

Global law firm Baker McKenzie announced today that Colleen Baime has joined the Firm’s North America Litigation and Government Enforcement Practice in Chicago. A highly regarded litigator licensed in both Illinois and California, Colleen joins Baker McKenzie’s deep bench of experienced disputes lawyers handling high-stakes commercial disputes for multinational companies.

Colleen focuses her practice on complex litigation matters defending clients against a broad array of liabilities, including contract disputes, product liability, civil conspiracy, fraud, misrepresentation, securities litigation, environmental claims, and general commercial litigation. An experienced trial lawyer, Colleen has personally tried over a dozen cases to verdict. She has also served as the supervising trial counsel responsible for developing, directing and approving litigation strategy and the presentation of evidence in over 30 trials. She has also briefed and argued multiple cases to the Illinois appellate courts and briefed appeals to the California courts of appeal. In addition, Colleen counsels clients in litigation avoidance, risk management, and resolution strategies.

“Colleen is an extremely well-respected litigator throughout the US, known for her superb trial skills and outstanding track record in the courtroom,” said Widge Devaney, Chair of Baker McKenzie’s North America Litigation and Government Enforcement Practice. “Our clients face heightened litigation risk across their business,  from data privacy and cybersecurity issues to product liability and ESG claims. Colleen brings a steady hand, nuanced perspective and deep experience serving as a trusted adviser to companies across a range of disputes.”

Added Joyce Smith, a member of the Firm’s Global Executive Committee, “Colleen is a tremendous addition to our Firm. Her years of experience guiding major corporations through all aspects of high-stakes disputes will be invaluable to our clients as they navigate litigation threats and protect their business.”

Colleen joins the Firm in Chicago, the founding office of Baker McKenzie and its largest in North America.

“We are thrilled to add Colleen to our thriving Chicago office,” said David Malliband, Managing Partner of the Firm’s Chicago Office. “We are focused on strategic growth in this market and Colleen is the perfect addition to our team, as we continue to attract top-flight practitioners to our practices. Chicago is a major center for commercial litigation and Colleen joins a powerhouse group of litigators serving the numerous Fortune 100 companies located in this market and throughout the US.”

Baker McKenzie’s litigation practice is one of the most recognized and largest globally, with more than 1,000 dispute resolution practitioners in 46 countries. The Firm’s dispute resolution team comprises battle-tested litigators with deep roots in their home jurisdictions. Consistently top-ranked by leading market surveys, the commercial litigation practice represents clients in complex multijurisdictional litigation. The Firm’s cases frequently involve novel and precedent-setting issues in countries around the world, including markets where competing law firms do not have a local presence.

Added Michael Duffy, Chair of Baker McKenzie’s Chicago Litigation and Government Enforcement group, “Our litigation practice continues to be in high demand and Colleen adds exceptional trial experience and impeccable credentials to our team.”

“I am so delighted to join Baker McKenzie,” said Colleen. “The caliber of practitioners at the Firm and the vibrancy of the Chicago office are unmatched, and I look forward to working with the team to deliver superior service to our clients.”

Colleen earned her BA from Alma College and her JD from Stanford Law School.