Leading global law firm Baker McKenzie today announced the appointment of three highly regarded transactional lawyers in the Johannesburg office. Angela Simpson, Lydia Shadrach-Razzino and Verushca Pillay will join the Corporate Practice as partners, in January and February 2023.

Angela, Lydia and Verushca are leading M&A and Private Equity practitioners in the African market. They each have an outstanding reputation and have been involved in many of the most high profile deals in the market. They join the firm from Webber Wentzel, ENSAfrica and Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr respectively.

Commenting on these appointments, Johannesburg Managing Partner Lerisha Naidu said: "We are delighted to welcome three highly respected transactional partners to our Johannesburg Corporate/M&A team. These appointments form part of our strategy to grow our African transactional capability in order to service our clients' increasing needs in key markets across the continent.

"Through our diversity, our global One Team approach, our values-based culture and our collective vision, our aim is to differentiate ourselves as solutions-driven lawyers operating at the heart of an increasingly connected world. We are delighted that Angela, Lydia and Verushca share this vision."

Angela Simpson noted that "After almost 25 years of M&A practice, I am excited to be a part of the global Baker McKenzie team." 

Verushca Pillay said, "I'm really looking forward to being a part of Baker McKenzie’s diverse global platform, and to making a positive contribution to the firm.”

Lydia Shadrach-Razzino added, "Joining Baker McKenzie (together with Angela and Verushca) presents an exciting opportunity to grow Baker McKenzie's African M&A and Private Equity practice and to showcase the firm's solid African capabilities. I am excited about working with the team and the possibilities that lie ahead. I am proud to be a part of a firm making such a wonderful commitment to diversity in the industry."

Baker McKenzie is a transactional powerhouse, with more than 2 500 deal practitioners in 45 countries offering leading expertise in the areas most critical for clients. The firm excels in complex transactions and cross-border deals – over 65% of its deals are multi-jurisdictional. Its lawyers are global and local, combining money-market sophistication with local excellence.