Paul Rawlinson (1962-2019)

Paul Rawlinson
It is with great sadness that the IPKat team has learnt of the unexpected passing on Friday of IP lawyer, Global Chair of Baker McKenzie, husband, father and friend - Paul Rawlinson.

After studying law at Kent University and University of Paris XI, Paul joined Baker McKenzie in 1986 and made partner in 1996.   With a background in and love for intellectual property law, it was not long before Paul was leading Baker McKenzie's global IP practice acting for clients including Cisco, L'Oréal, HP, JCB, British American Tobacco and Eli Lilly.  Many will recall that Paul acted in the famous L’Oréal v Bellure (C-487/07) "smell-a-like" case at the ECJ (as it then was).  After six years in the position, his natural leadership saw him become the firm's Managing Partner in 2013.

Not long after, Paul's charisma and popularity propelled him to Global Chair of Baker McKenzie in 2016 (and the first British Chair of the firm). His background in IP and passion for innovation and new technology, was noted in the City as being a strength in his leadership position and a welcome perspective in a field generally dominated by finance and corporate voices.  Under Paul's successful leadership, the firm saw a bumper year of growth with their revenues up 10% to $2.9 billion in 2018.  Paul was also ranked as the leading lawyer in the Male Champion of Women in Business in the UK by the Financial Times and HERoes, a member of INTA and BASCAP.

But besides all of his professional achievements, it will be Paul's kindness that will be the most remembered.  His colleagues said he was an "inspirational man", someone that "everyone genuinely liked and admired" full of "positivity and energy".

IP, the law and legal practice in London and across the world will be much poorer with the loss of Paul's smile, warmth and passion.

The IPKat's thoughts are with Paul's family, friends and colleagues. 

If you would like to share your memories and condolences with Paul's family, you can e-mail PaulRawlinson.Condolences@bakermckenzie.com.
Paul Rawlinson (1962-2019) Paul Rawlinson (1962-2019) Reviewed by Annsley Merelle Ward on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 Rating: 5

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