Ralph Baxter

After leading a prominent global law firm for nearly a quarter century, Ralph Baxter has turned his attention to a diverse set of activities, across the spectrum of the evolving legal profession.

He regularly advises law firms, legal technology start ups, and corporate law departments on their strategies and execution. He is an active writer and speaker, including participation in law firm partner meetings, about the emerging models for improved delivery of legal service.

He is a Senior Advisor and member of the Advisory Board of the Stanford Law School Center on the Legal Profession, a member of the Advisory Board of the Harvard Law School Center on the Legal Profession, and a member of the Advisory Board of the Center for the Study of the Legal Profession at the Georgetown Law Center.

From 1990 to 2013, Mr. Baxter served as Chairman and CEO of Orrick, leading Orrick’s progress from a domestic firm with California origins to become one of the world’s leading global firms. He launched numerous transformative initiatives during his tenure, including the creation of Orrick’s Global Operations Center in Wheeling, West Virginia, and changes in the firm’s talent and pricing models.