NEW YORK, August 16, 2004 Legal news, law news, law firm news & research at LAWFUEL Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP celebrated the 20th anniversary of its New York office yesterday, an event commemorated by a proclamation from New York City Major Michael Bloomberg and a letter of congratulations from New York Governor George Pataki.
Recognizing Orrick’s preeminence among law firms as well as its demonstrated commitment to excellent corporate citizenship in New York, Mayor Bloomberg proclaimed August 12, 2004, “Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP day” in the city.
In his letter, Governor Pataki said, “This important milestone of twenty years is a testament to the quality of service and the abilities of your fine team of legal professionals.”
The Mayor’s proclamation and the Governor’s letter were presented at Orrick New York’s 20th anniversary celebration, which was held at the Water’s Edge restaurant.
Speaking before more than 300 dinner guests, Orrick chairman and CEO Ralph Baxter, emphasized the importance of relationships and culture to the firm’s growth. “The initial crew [in New York] mandated a collaborative process—something that continues today.” Commenting on the firm’s global aspirations, Baxter paraphrased the late Frank Sinatra: “By making it in New York, we have proven that Orrick can make it anywhere.”
New York managing partner Peter Coll, who read excerpts from the Mayor’s proclamation and the Governor’s letter, described Orrick’s 20-year evolution in New York from an office of 100% finance lawyers to today’s balance of 40% litigators and 60% transactional lawyers. Coll highlighted the firm’s contributions to the local community – including pro bono legal services, volunteer work, and charitable donations – and gave voice to the feeling of satisfaction shared by its lawyers and staff: “Orrick is proud to be a part of the New York City community, and we remain committed to serving it.”
In commemoration of its 20th anniversary in New York, Orrick is making a donation to The Children’s Storefront, an independent, tuition-free elementary school in Harlem that the firm sponsors. Benefiting from innovative programs that promote parental and community involvement and after-school enrichment, Children’s Storefront’s students have gone on to graduate from secondary school at two-and-a-half times the rate of their peers. In addition to direct financial support, Orrick contributes pro bono legal service, and lawyers and staff volunteer for various activities such as tutoring or sending children books as birthday gifts.
About Orrick New York
Opened in 1984 by six New York public finance lawyers, Orrick’s New York office today has more than 200 lawyers focusing on all types of transactions, litigation and regulatory matters. Building on its initial focus in public finance, Orrick today has one of the largest and most respected practices in New York.
About Orrick
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is an international law firm with approximately 700 lawyers in North America, Europe, and Asia. The firm focuses on litigation, complex and novel finance, and innovative corporate transactions. Orrick clients include Fortune 100 companies, major industrial and financial corporations, commercial and investment banks, high-growth companies, governmental entities, start-ups, and individuals. The firm’s 13 offices are located in New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Orange County, Pacific Northwest, London, Milan, Paris, Rome, and Tokyo.
