Department profile
Baker McKenzie

Corporate/M&A: The Elite

USA Guide 2026 : California: San Francisco, Silicon Valley & Surrou


Baker McKenzie

Rankings

About

Provided by Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie’s California Transactional Group is one of the leading groups on the West Coast that focus primarily on mergers and acquisitions, strategic transactions and global reorganizations. The team, led by Leif King and comprised of over 21 partners, and over 23 associates, is not only one of the largest groups of its kind, but has also advised on some of the most transformative deals in North America. The California Transactional Group is ranked by Chambers USA among the Corporate/M&A: Elite group and is a go-to M&A execution team, working on many of the largest, headline-making deals across multiple sectors. With market-leading practitioners across M&A, private equity and fund formation, the team covers all types of corporate transactions that its clients execute.

Known for its expertise in advising on some of the most complex domestic and cross-border M&A transactions in North America and globally, particularly in the technology sector, the team is unparalleled in its ability to deliver cutting edge transactional advice both locally and around the globe. The new partners include Brett Rodda, Nikole Zoumberakis, Jennifer Broder, Kimberly Chi, Judith Kitano, Michael Greaney, Kelly Kriebs, and Tyler Hilton. These lawyers have advised on several high-profile deals, including Berkshire’s acquisition of insurance company Alleghany Corp., Intel’s divisional sale to SK Hynix, and Oaktree Capital Management’s sale of Brookfield Asset Management.

Industries (8)

  • Tech M&A
  • Private Equity
  • M&A
  • Corporate Governance
  • Fin Tech
  • Coporate/M&A
  • Cross-border transactions
  • Technology, Media & Gaming

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A: The Elite - California: San Francisco, Silicon Valley & Surrou

Band 4

Band 4


What the Team is Known For
Strong corporate group leveraging an extensive international network of offices to handle substantial multijurisdictional transactions, with particular industry expertise in the technology and telecommunications sectors. It acts for a roster of public and private companies, investment banks and venture capital funds.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Baker McKenzie advised Western Digital Corporation in connection with the separation of its HDD and Flash businesses into two independent, public companies.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Baker McKenzie's strengths are technology deal expertise, seamless global coordination and dedication.

    Corporate/M&A: The Elite respondentUSA
  • What truly distinguishes this department is the combination of deep technical expertise and an exceptionally practical, business-minded approach.

    Corporate/M&A: The Elite respondentUSA
  • I appreciate the Baker team's responsiveness, attention to detail and overall knowledge.

    Corporate/M&A: The Elite respondentUSA
  • Baker McKenzie has strong industry knowledge, strategic leadership and the ability to close deals.

    Corporate/M&A: The Elite respondentUSA
  • Baker McKenzie has bright minds that help get complex transactions over the finish line.

    Corporate/M&A: The Elite respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 4Lawrence C Lee
    Band 4Lawrence C Lee

    Lawrence C Lee

    Lawrence Lee is experienced in advising clients on M&A across a range of industries, with particular expertise in technology.

    • Lawrence has a great understanding of what we're looking for. He's very commercial and has backbone.

      Corporate/M&A: The Elite respondentUSA
    • Lawrence is incredibly responsive and a creative thinker.

      Corporate/M&A: The Elite respondentUSA
  • Band 4Leif King
    Band 4Leif King

    Leif King

    Leif King provides quality counsel in M&A and corporate governance matters. His clientele consists of well-known public and private companies.
    • Leif had a way of supporting our team that was exactly what we needed. He is a pleasure to work with and so helpful in moving things forward. He is also a very clear communicator who was knowledgeable in the areas where we needed support.

      Corporate/M&A: The Elite respondentUSA
    • He is calm and able to describe issues clearly.

      Corporate/M&A: The Elite respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Baker McKenzie (2)

California: San Francisco, Silicon Valley & Surrou

Members

Provided by Baker McKenzie

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