Baker McKenzie makes a bold move, strengthening its Asia Pacific presence with a new Finance & Projects Principal. But who is this legal powerhouse, and why is his appointment making waves?
Meet Matthias Schemuth, a renowned project finance attorney with over two decades of experience in the energy and infrastructure sectors across the region. He's joining Baker McKenzie's Singapore office as a Principal and Asia Pacific Co-Head of Projects, working alongside Jon Ornolffson in Tokyo. This move is a significant gain for the firm, as Matthias brings a wealth of knowledge in structuring and financing large-scale projects, with a client list that includes sponsors, developers, banks, and lending agencies. His expertise in international banking and trade finance, particularly in emerging markets, is highly regarded, earning him top rankings in Chambers Asia Pacific and Who's Who Legal.
James Huang, Managing Principal of Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow in Singapore, expressed his enthusiasm: "Matthias' leadership and expertise will be a game-changer as we aim to dominate the regional and global finance scene." And it's not just about legal prowess. Emmanuel Hadjidakis, Asia Pacific Chair of the firm's Banking & Finance Practice, highlights the strategic importance of this hire: "With Matthias, we're better equipped to navigate the booming infrastructure and energy markets in Asia Pacific, especially with Singapore at its heart."
But here's where it gets controversialāis this move a sign of a talent war in the legal industry? Steven Sieker, Baker McKenzie's Asia Chief Executive, seems to think so: "We're committed to attracting top talent to help our clients navigate today's complex business landscape." This statement raises questions about the competitive nature of legal recruitment and the strategies firms employ to secure the best legal minds.
Matthias himself is thrilled to join the team, recognizing the firm's global reach and local expertise as a powerful combination. And Baker McKenzie is indeed a force to be reckoned with, boasting over 2,700 deal practitioners across 40+ jurisdictions, specializing in complex, cross-border transactions. Their hybrid 'local-global' teams offer a unique blend of market sophistication and local knowledge.
Matthias' appointment is part of a larger growth strategy, following recent additions like Carole Turcotte in Toronto and Tom Oslovar in Palo Alto. As the firm continues to expand its global footprint, it begs the question: How will this impact the legal landscape in Asia Pacific and beyond? Will this talent acquisition drive innovation and market dominance for Baker McKenzie, or will it spark a competitive response from rival firms?
What do you think? Is this a game-changer for Baker McKenzie, or is it a sign of a larger industry trend? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
