Leadership Change for Baker Botts; New Year Brings New Managing Partner

Business Wire, Jan 17, 2003

Business Editors/Legal Writers

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 17, 2003

Baker Botts L.L.P. is pleased to announce that effective January 1, 2003, Walter J. Smith assumed the post of Managing Partner. Mr. Smith replaces Richard C. Johnson, who is retiring after having served as Managing Partner of the firm since 1998.

Mr. Smith, a corporate and securities partner in Baker Botts' Houston office, says the challenge of serving as Managing Partner is both humbling and inspiring. "It's an honor that my colleagues have chosen me to represent the firm and to serve our clients through this position," Mr. Smith says.

The new Managing Partner says his management philosophy is simple. "We cannot forget that excellent legal work and client service are paramount," he says. "Our commitment to our clients is evident throughout our 162-year history. It is also what will ensure that we're here for many more years to come."

Walt Smith holds an LL.M. from Harvard Law School and a J.D., summa cum laude, from Creighton University, where he was Editor-in-Chief of the Creighton Law Review. After graduating from law school, he served as a judicial clerk to the Hon. E.A. Tamm of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Mr. Smith has maintained a corporate practice with Baker Botts since 1975 and, while continuing his practice, during the past two years also served as Partner-in-Charge of the firm's Houston office.

Under Mr. Johnson's leadership, Baker Botts has grown from 500 attorneys to a firm of nearly 700 and has strengthened its presence in energy, technology and intellectual property law. Mr. Johnson also led the firm through its successful merger with Washington, D.C.-based Miller, Cassidy, Larroca & Lewin, and oversaw substantial growth of the firm overseas, particularly in Baker Botts' London office.

Baker Botts is a leading international law firm, recognized for its energy, intellectual property, corporate and trial practices. Founded in 1840, Baker Botts has offices in Austin, Baku, Dallas, Houston, London, Moscow, New York, Riyadh and Washington, D.C.

To interview Walt Smith regarding his new role as Managing Partner of Baker Botts, contact Mark Annick at 800-559-4534 or mark@legalpr.com.