Key points:
- Milton Cheng to step down as Baker McKenzie's global chair after two terms.
- Three London-based partners, including Sunny Mann, Samantha Mobley, and Ben Allgrove, are leading candidates for the position.
- The firm continues to experience significant growth and strategic expansion under Cheng’s leadership.
As Baker McKenzie's global chair Milton Cheng prepares to step down at the end of his current term in October 2025, the firm is gearing up for an election to choose his successor. Cheng, who has led the firm through a period of substantial growth and strategic initiatives, leaves behind a strong legacy. His tenure saw the firm surpass the $3 billion annual revenue mark for the first time, as detailed in reports from both Law.com.
With the upcoming elections, it is reported that three prominent London-based partners have emerged as front-runners. Sunny Mann, known for his extensive international experience and leadership in compliance and investigations, is considered a favorite. His involvement in Baker McKenzie's strategic interests in India positions him as a strong candidate to lead the firm’s next phase of global expansion.
Samantha Mobley, a former chair of the global antitrust and competition group and a key figure in the firm’s India operations, is also a notable contender, having previously run in the 2019 chair elections. Additionally, Ben Allgrove, who serves as the firm's chief innovation officer and heads the Reinvent innovation program, is in the running, bringing a focus on modernizing the firm's practices.
The leadership transition comes at a time when Baker McKenzie continues to expand its global footprint, including a potential move into the Indian legal market following recent regulatory changes there.
