Cyrus Vance Jr., the former Manhattan district attorney known for spearheading criminal investigations into President-elect Donald Trump’s business empire, has taken on a new role in Paris with the global law firm Baker McKenzie. This high-profile move comes just days before Trump’s inauguration as the 47th president of the United States.
In a LinkedIn post on Tuesday, Baker McKenzie announced Vance’s appointment to their Paris office, highlighting his “widely recognized expertise in criminal law, cross-border investigations, and compliance.”
From Manhattan to Paris: A Storied Career
Vance’s relocation marks a significant chapter in his legal career. For the past two years, he served as a partner in Baker McKenzie’s New York office, following three terms as Manhattan district attorney (2010-2021). During his tenure, Vance oversaw groundbreaking criminal cases, including extensive investigations into Trump and his family business dealings.
Notably, these probes culminated in charges against Trump related to hush money payments to an adult film actress. The charges were later prosecuted by Vance’s successor, resulting in a conviction on 34 felony counts for falsifying business records—a historic verdict that made Trump the first U.S. president, past or future, to become a convicted felon.
Timing and Speculation
The announcement of Vance’s Paris move, so close to Trump’s return to the presidency, has raised eyebrows. However, Baker McKenzie’s global media relations director, Marie E. Hebert, insisted the timing was coincidental and “has nothing to do with the fact that he investigated President-elect Trump.”
Trump, Vance, and the Legacy of Justice
The investigations under Vance’s leadership delved deeply into Trump’s financial dealings, casting a long shadow over the former president’s first term. Vance’s work laid the groundwork for subsequent legal challenges that have continued to follow Trump into his political comeback.
While Vance himself has refrained from making public statements about Trump since leaving office, his role in shaping the legal narrative surrounding the president-elect remains undeniable. His shift to Paris adds an international dimension to his already storied career, positioning him as a global authority on legal and compliance issues.
A New Chapter in an Influential Career
As Vance settles into his new role in Paris, his impact on American legal history—particularly his pursuit of justice in high-profile cases—continues to resonate. Baker McKenzie is poised to benefit from his deep expertise, especially in cross-border investigations, as the firm bolsters its global reputation.