Baker McKenzie Adds McDermott’s Head of Litigation in Chicago

Baker McKenzie is bringing on Colleen Baime, the head of McDermott’s litigation practice in Chicago, to help the fourth largest US law firm by revenue grow in its hometown.

Baime, a McDermott partner, has represented Honeywell International Inc., Allstate Corp. and S&S Activewear LLC and tried over a dozen cases to verdict. Chicago-headquartered Baker McKenzie approached Baime as it looked to expand its commercial litigation practice, she said in an interview.

“I’ve just been impressed time and time again, which made the move sort of an easy choice to step up to the plate and explore a new opportunity,” she said.

Baker McKenzie brought in $3.3 billion in revenue in fiscal 2022, the fourth most among US law firms behind Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins and DLA Piper, according to American Lawyer’s annual rankings.

Baker McKenzie is focused on strategic growth in Chicago, and Baime is “the perfect addition to our team,” David Malliband, managing partner of Baker McKenzie’s Chicago office, said in a statement.

Baime while based in Chicago, will also do work in California, where she is also licensed. She focuses her practice on complex litigation matters advising clients against a broad array of liabilities, including contract disputes, product liability, civil conspiracy, fraud, misrepresentation, securities litigation, environmental claims, and general commercial litigation.