Lerisha (Lee) Naidu is a transformative leader in the field of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (ID&E). Lee was appointed Managing Partner of the Johannesburg office in July 2022, officially becoming its youngest Managing Partner in Baker McKenzie’s 74-office network. She developed a strategy that placed people-centricity at the heart of its forward-looking approach. She believes that the environment relies strongly on working together in a way that optimizes collaboration, inclusion, and authenticity. She leads with integrity and courage, living her values and committing to co-creating a workplace where everyone can show up as their true selves, in service to clients, colleagues, and communities. Lee has also been pioneering Baker’s involvement in the South African General Counsel Initiative for Diversity & Inclusion (SA GC for D&I initiative). This initiative is crucial as it provides a platform for corporate entities, law firms, and other legal sector players to engage on critical diversity issues.
