Baker Botts’ New Chief To Lead Firm’s Push Far Beyond Texas

Baker Botts’ new managing partner John W. Martin, the first non-Texas-based lawyer to head the 179-year-old firm, plans to help continue its expansion far beyond its origins in Houston.

Martin handles matters including technology transactions and M&A at the firm’s Palo Alto, Calif. office, which he started in 2008. Three years ago, Baker Botts also opened an office in San Francisco.

On April 1, Martin succeeds Andrew M. Baker, who has served two terms as managing partner of the 725-lawyer firm.

“I expect to be on the road a lot visiting clients and our offices. Being visible makes a difference,” ...