Renowned private equity legal specialist, Eric Schwartzman, formerly of Latham & Watkins, is set to join the ranks of Baker McKenzie – one of the world’s largest law firms – as the head of its private equity practice in California, according to recent reports.
Schwartzman is not just a new avenue of expertise for Baker McKenzie—his inclusion is part of the firm’s continued growth strategy. He is just one of the approximately 30 partners Baker McKenzie has added over the past 18 months, with aims of further expansion in the fields of M&A and private equity in California. Other notable recent recruitment includes Erika Lopez, an M&A and private equity partner from Kirkland & Ellis, by Baker McKenzie’s Chicago office.
An industry veteran, Schwartzman has worked at Latham & Watkins for more than a decade, previously as co-chair of its New York corporate department and on the firm’s recruitment committee. He brings with him a considerable legal portfolio, having advised on crucial transactions in industries such as technology, telecoms, media and entertainment.
Among his many notable transactions, Schwartzman advised on Ares Management Corp.’s $3.8 billion acquisition of Asia-focused private equity firm Crescent Point Capital in 2023. He has previously worked with prominent private equity clients, including Carlyle, Searchlight Capital, Warburg Pincus, and Welsh Carson. His addition to Baker McKenzie’s private equity practice is expected to elevate its transactional capabilities.
Leif King, head of Baker McKenzie’s California transactional group, commented on Schwartzman’s recruitment, expressing the firm’s singular focus on growing its M&A practice in California. He has also laid out Baker McKenzie’s ambitious goal of becoming “the largest and best cross-border transactional firm in California.”
It seems Schwartzman shares the firm’s ambition, stating to have been drawn towards Baker McKenzie due to its growth ambitions. He joins the firm ready to be part of building their position in a highly competitive legal landscape.