Baker McKenzie Partners William (Widge) Devaney and Scott Brandman have been recognized in the 2026 New York Legal Awards, presented by Law.com and New York Law Journal.

Widge, Americas Chair of the Firm's Dispute Resolution Practice Group, is a winner in the Distinguished Leaders category. Scott, Managing Partner of the Firm's New York and Miami offices, is a finalist in the Innovation Awards: Individual category. The awards recognize finalists and honorees for their leadership, innovation and impact across New York’s legal community.

Widge advises clients on cross-border investigations, high-stakes disputes and anti-corruption compliance matters. Through strategic, hands-on, and people-centered leadership, he has raised the bar on talent, technology, management, client engagement, and collaborative, firm-first culture, driving measurable results across the practice.

Scott advises multinational clients on major tax controversy, restructuring, acquisition and divestiture matters worldwide. As a member of Baker McKenzie’s Global Management Committee and Innovation Governance Group, he has been a driving force in redefining how the firm approaches artificial intelligence, transforming AI from a discrete technology initiative into a strategic, firmwide capability with long‑term business impact.

Winners will be announced at the awards on September 3.