Pro Bono News

Baker & McKenzie Appoints Former In-House Counsel

Friday, July 11, 2008

  • Baker and McKenzie
  • Source: Pro Bono Counsel & Coordinators > Pro Bono Counsel & Coordinators

Former in-house counsel Madeleine Schachter has joined Baker
& McKenzie LLP as Special Counsel, Pro Bono. In this new role, she will actively practice on pro bono matters and will enhance and coordinate the Firm's pro bono legal work and pro bono
client teaming program. Prior to joining the Firm, Ms. Schachter served as vice president and deputy general counsel for Hachette Book Group USA, Inc, formerly known as Time Warner
Book Group, Inc.

"Madeleine brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in pro bono client teaming, and we are delighted to have her join the Firm," said David Hackett, Baker & McKenzie LLP's North American Managing Partner. "Madeleine's insight and experience as in-house counsel strengthens our ability to serve our clients and understand their needs in teaming with us on significant pro bono legal matters that provide critical legal services to disadvantaged and underserved communities. She will be a significant resource to our clients and others looking to
establish pro bono and community service programs."

While at Time Warner, Ms. Schachter helped launch and chaired the organization's pro bono program, a volunteer legal services program for all divisions of Time Warner. She is also a founder and former Chair of the Corporate Counsel Pro Bono Coordinators, an inter-company organization that serves as a resource for in-house counsel to provide legal services in the public interest and to the under-privileged by assisting with the formation and expansion of inhouse counsel pro bono programs.

Ms. Schachter is an active participant in international public interest projects and has met with governmental officials, NGOs and journalists in Yemen and Bulgaria at the invitation of the U.S.
State Department. Prior to joining Baker & McKenzie, she had collaborated with the Firm on pro bono matters involving international policy and in federal appellate litigation, including in the U.S. Supreme Court, in defense of children's rights. She also has held faculty appointments at Fordham University School of Law and Weill Cornell Medical Center.

"Baker & McKenzie has been at the forefront of pro bono client teaming initiatives and has developed one of the most effective programs. The appointment of Madeleine is testament to
the Firm's commitment in not only providing pro bono legal support in their communities, but also helping other organizations actively engage in pro bono projects, " said Esther Lardent, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Pro Bono Institute.

Ms. Schachter received her J.D. from New York University School of Law, where she was a Root-Tilden Scholar, and her B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania. She
serves as the Chair of the NYC Bar Pro Bono and Legal Services Committee and is a member of the New York State Bar Association President's Committee on Access to Justice. Among the awards for her dedication to pro bono service she has received is the New York State Bar Association President's Pro Bono Service In-House Counsel Award.

Commenting on her joining, Ms. Schachter said, "I'm very excited to join Baker & McKenzie. The Firm is dedicated to embracing even more opportunities to help others through pro bono legal services and community service. I look forward to working with the Firm's clients and others who are interested in collaborating with us in this area."

Baker & McKenzie has been a leader in developing pro bono client teaming programs with inhouse counsel. Since 2002, the Firm has advised clients on establishing pro bono and community service programs within their organizations, and has teamed with them on many domestic and global projects to maximize the capability and quality of pro bono and public service.