New York, September 2, 2008 – Baker & McKenzie announced that Nancy Thevenin has joined the Firm as Special Counsel to its International Arbitration Practice Group in New York.  In her new role, Ms. Thevenin will advise on international arbitration matters and will coordinate business development efforts for the practice worldwide.  She joins the Firm from 
the ICC International Court of Arbitration, where she was the deputy director of arbitration and ADR for North America. 

“We welcome Nancy to the Firm,” said Pat Herald, Chair of the Firm’s Global Dispute Resolution practice.  “Her experience at the ICC in advising individuals and companies on the many aspects of arbitration and international dispute resolution will be an asset to our team and our clients.” 

Ms. Thevenin’s practice focuses on advising attorneys and companies on all phases of ICC arbitration, as well as on the ICC Appointing Authority, Pre-Arbitral Referee, Dispute Board and Expertise Rules.  At the ICC, she served as a vice chair of the Latin American and Caribbean committee, vice chair of the Young Lawyers Interest Network and law liaison to the ICC Court for the American Bar Association’s Section of International Law.  Prior to joining the ICC in 2004, Ms. Thevenin specialized in international arbitration and international commercial litigation, at a law firm in Miami, Florida.
 
Ms. Thevenin is a member of the executive council of the International Law Section of the Florida Bar, vice chair of the Arbitration Committee for the Inter-American Bar Association and co-chair of the Arbitration and ADR committee of the International Law and Practice Section of the New York State Bar Association. 

Commenting on Ms. Thevenin’s joining, David Fraser, Chair of the Firm’s Global International Arbitration practice, said: “Nancy will be perfect for this new role in our international arbitration practice.  The expertise she brings to the Firm complements and further enhances the service we provide in this area.”

Ms. Thevenin received her J.D. from Tulane Law School, B.A. from Cornell University, and she studied the French legal system and European Community Law at the University of Paris at Panthéon-Assas.  She also holds certificates in European legal practice and commercial arbitration. She is fluent in English, French and Spanish.

“Nancy brings a a wealth of experience and relationships  to the Firm that will greatly benefit our clients in  the region and around the world,” said Grant Hanessian, Chair of the Firm’s North American International Arbitration practice.

Baker & McKenzie’s Global Dispute Resolution Practice includes more than 600 lawyers experienced in litigation, arbitration, mediation and all forms of alternative dispute resolution.