Alerts

Warning: Correspondence misusing the name of Baker & McKenzie LLP

6 February 2025

Correspondence has been sent misusing the name of Baker & McKenzie LLP.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been notified that emails have been sent misusing the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

It is understood that emails have been sent from the domain '@bakermckenze.com'.

The emails indicate that a voicemail message has been sent by an individual employed at the genuine firm. The email contains a link to access the voicemail message which is presumed to be malicious.

It is also understood that individuals have been provided with a WhatsApp contact which misuses the name and logo of the genuine firm and provides the telephone number '+44 7386 534722'.

Any business or transactions through the email address domain '@bakermckenze.com' and the telephone number '+44 7386 534722' is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Baker & Mckenzie LLP. Emails from the genuine firm use the domain '@bakermckenzie.com'.

Jane Williams and Philippe Lion are genuine employees at the firm.

The genuine firm of Baker & Mckenzie LLP have confirmed that neither it, nor its Jane Williams and Philippe Lion, have any connection to the domain @bakermckenze or the telephone number referred to above.

What should I do?

When a firm's or individual's identity has been copied exactly (or cloned), due diligence is necessary. If you receive correspondence claiming to be from the above firm(s) or individual(s), or information of a similar nature to that described, you should conduct your own due diligence by checking the authenticity of the correspondence by contacting the law firm directly by reliable and established means. You can contact the SRA to find out if individuals or firms are regulated and authorised by the SRA and verify an individual's or firm's practising details. Other verification methods, such as checking public records (e.g. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.