The Illinois Supreme Court has denied Baker McKenzie’s request to consider an appeal regarding a lower-court ruling. The global law firm sought to move a legal malpractice lawsuit out of Illinois, arguing that the case lacked a significant connection to the state. Bloomberg Law reports that the lawsuit was filed by Lehram Capital Investments Ltd. against Baker McKenzie’s Russia-based affiliate, Baker CIS. Lehram Capital alleges that it received poor legal advice from the firm.
Baker McKenzie contended that the case should not be heard in Illinois as it involves a London-based plaintiff, its Spanish executive, and an alleged illegal seizure of property outside the United States. Despite these arguments, the Illinois Supreme Court chose to uphold the lower-court decision to keep the case in Cook County Circuit Court. The court did not provide a reason for its decision, and all justices participated in the ruling.
This ruling implies that Baker McKenzie must prepare to defend itself in Illinois courts, a scenario it was keen to avoid. The decision underscores the challenges that international law firms may face when dealing with cross-border legal issues within the U.S. judicial system.