Steve Wardlaw Returns to Baker Botts' London Office as Partner in Charge

- Managing Growth of Firm's Moscow Office Leads to New UK-based Assignment

LONDON, Sept. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Steve Wardlaw, who spent the past seven years orchestrating significant growth of Baker Botts' Moscow office, has returned to London as Partner in Charge of the global law firm's office in the City.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120917/DA71301)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120831/MM66344LOGO )

Wardlaw began his career with Baker Botts in London in January 2000. He will divide his time between London and Moscow in order to serve his clients with Russia-related interests.

"Steve did a wonderful job in Moscow; so much so that we substantially extended what was originally intended to be only a two-year stay," said Baker Botts Managing Partner Andrew M. Baker. "I look forward to Steve putting his imprint on London, and leading that office to the next level."

Wardlaw's success in representing energy clients in London and other international markets led to his move to Moscow in 2005. He became Partner in Charge of that office a year later. There were five Baker Botts lawyers representing institutional energy clients seven years ago. Today there are 24 lawyers, and the firm's work has expanded to include a substantial amount of corporate, real estate and Intellectual Property work for Russian clients, in energy, as well as other industries.

Maxim Levinson succeeded Wardlaw as Partner in Charge of the Moscow office earlier this year.

Wardlaw plans to build on the foundation laid by Tony Higginson, the previous Partner in Charge of the firm's office in London. Higginson will continue to practice, focusing on corporate and asset acquisitions and divestitures and energy sector projects.

"The continued development of our business in London, providing existing and new clients with an increased breadth of service across all of our global practice areas, is essential to our plans for international growth, in light of London's position as a global center of business and finance," Wardlaw said. "Our experience in the energy, technology and life sciences sectors reflects the strength and diverse talent available to our clients throughout the firm.

"We are committed to enhancing these strengths in London, delivering advice from London to clients operating in a range of regions, including Europe, the Americas and sub-Saharan Africa."

The London office opened in 1998 and currently has 34 lawyers. Additional background on the London office is available here.

About Baker Botts

Baker Botts is an international law firm with over 725 lawyers and a network of 14 offices around the globe. Based on our experience and knowledge of our clients' industries, we are recognized as a leading firm in the energy, technology and life sciences sectors. Throughout our 172-year history, we have provided creative and effective legal solutions for our clients while demonstrating an unrelenting commitment to excellence. For more information, please visit www.bakerbotts.com.