Biglaw

Biglaw Chair Dies After Taking Leave For Exhaustion

Sad news.

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Late last year, Baker McKenzie global chair Paul Rawlinson stepped away from his position at the firm to take a leave of absence citing exhaustion. Sadly, Rawlinson has passed away.

At the time of his leave, we focused on then-recent struggles at the firm with an inquiry into the firm’s handling of sexual harassment complaints and internal dissension over associate pay as aggravating factors in wearing down an attorney charged with managing one of the largest global firms. His stepping away forced us all to take a hard look at the systemic pressures Biglaw places upon all attorneys and especially those at the top.

With Rawlinson’s passing, it’s worth revisiting all of these concerns and reflecting on what can be done to make the Biglaw model a more hospitable work environment.

Jaime Trujillo Caicedo, based out of Colombia, has served as interim chair for the last several months and will remain in this role until a permanent successor is named.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Rawlinson’s loved ones and the Baker McKenzie family at large.

Baker McKenzie Global Chairman Paul Rawlinson Dies [American Lawyer]

Earlier: Global Chair Of Biglaw Firm Taking Temporary Leave Due To Exhaustion
Burnout, Flame Out, Or Timeout?

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HeadshotJoe Patrice is a senior editor at Above the Law and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. Feel free to email any tips, questions, or comments. Follow him on Twitter if you’re interested in law, politics, and a healthy dose of college sports news. Joe also serves as a Managing Director at RPN Executive Search.

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