Baker & McKenzie appoints regional operating officer for Latin America

Baker & McKenzie has appointed Claudia Metzger as regional operating officer for the Latin America region.

Metzger most recently served as chief operating officer at Trench, Rossi e Watanabe, a Brazilian law firm. In this role, Claudia led all operational aspects of Trench Rossi’s business development, finance and human resources functions across its four offices in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre and Brasília.

While at Trench Rossi, Metzger was part of the leadership that grew the firm’s female partnership to around 60 percent.

Previously, Claudia worked various leadership positions in industries including banking and tourism, as well as professional services.

Craig Courter, chief operating officer at Baker & McKenzie, said: “The Latin America region continues to grow in importance for our clients and our firm alike. Claudia’s extensive industry experience, in-depth knowledge of the region, and successful history in working with the firm will no doubt help drive our continued success in this part of the world.”

Claudia joins the firm´s Latin America chair, Claudia Prado, as part of the regional leadership team. Prado previously served as the managing partner of Trench Rossi before stepping down to become the first female lawyer to head Baker & McKenzie’s Latin American regional council.

“Claudia’s proven leadership and deep understanding of both our firm, and most importantly, our clients’ needs, provide the skills and background required to further establish Baker & McKenzie as the premiere law firm in Latin America,” said Prado.