Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel has added three asset-backed securitization partners from Baker & McKenzie, including Gilbert K.S. Liu, who had been the head of Baker’s New York banking, finance and major projects practice group. Another of the laterals, Laurence Pettit, also was a partner at Baker, while Richard D. Rudder was a partner until July, when he became of counsel.
The three lawyers made the move to Kramer Levin because “at this point we need more depth, particularly in banking and finance and related areas” than Baker & McKenzie could offer in New York, Rudder said. Although one of the world’s largest firms, Baker & McKenzie has just 104 lawyers in New York, according to its website.
