Former Manhattan DA Joins Baker McKenzie Law Firm

Law firm Baker McKenzie has added a big name — former Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus  Vance Jr. — as a Partner in New York.

One of the most well-known law enforcement officials in the US, Cy led the Manhattan District Attorney’s office for 12 years, overseeing major criminal prosecutions and an office of more than 600 prosecutors. The office handled more than 100,000 cases per year, including high-profile investigations and prosecutions of complex, white collar and business crimes in the US and internationally, coordinating globally with the likes of City of London Police, Paris Prosecutors’ Office, Singapore Attorney General, Europol, and Interpol.

Vance decided not to run for re-election last year and will likely receive a big boost in pay as a partner at Baker McKenzie compared to being Manhattan DA. Alvin Bragg is now the new District Attorney for Manhattan.

“Cy is a respected, talented and collaborative white collar criminal defense attorney and Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers,” said Peter Tomczak, Chair of Baker McKenzie’s North America Litigation and Government Enforcement Practice. “We are thrilled that he will be joining our large and still growing North America team of trial and investigations lawyers focused on complex international legal issues. As multinational companies continue to face significant legal and compliance risks, Cy is the trusted adviser whom multinational clients turn to in crisis situations.”

As District Attorney in Manhattan, Cy was deeply involved in numerous international landmark investigations and prosecutions. His Cyber unit handled more than 2,000 forensic interrogations of devices annually, investigating and prosecuting significant cyber fraud, sex trafficking and related cases. Cy also co-founded New York City’s Cyber Critical Infrastructure Task Force, the only public–private partnership in the US to address risk and prevent cyberattacks on New York’s critical infrastructure. In addition, with the City of London Police, Cy founded the Global Cyber Alliance, a non-profit cross-border/cross-sector consortium to advise membership from every continent on cyber risks and cyberattack prevention.

Throughout his career, he has been a visible and vocal advocate on a range of justice issues. He is a sought-after speaker and author, and has testified multiple times before the US Congress and state agencies.

Cy will serve as Global Chair of Baker McKenzie’s Cybersecurity Practice. He will also be a member of the Firm’s North America Litigation & Government Enforcement Practice as well as the Firm’s Global Compliance & Investigations Practice.

“Cy is a proven leader working at the intersection of technology, cybersecurity and criminal investigations,” said Pamela Church, Chair of Baker McKenzie’s North America Intellectual Property & Technology Practice. “I look forward to connecting our clients with Cy as we help them navigate and succeed in this complex enforcement environment.”

Cy Vance earned his BA from Yale University and his JD from Georgetown University Law Center. He is the son of Cyrus Vance Sr., former US Secretary of State under President Jimmy Carter.