Christine Lagarde
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Christine Lagarde (b. 1 January 1956) is the Trade Minister of France (since June 3, 2005) and is ranked the 30th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes Magazine[1]. A noted antitrust and labor lawyer, Lagarde made history as the first female chairman of the international law firm Baker & McKenzie.
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[edit] Bio
Lagarde was born in Paris on January 1, 1956, to academic parents. She attended secondary school in Le Havre (Seine-Maritime). She also studied at the Institute of Political Studies (IEP) and the Law School of Sorbonne, where she lectured after graduating.
She has a post-graduate diploma (DESS) in labour law, a Master’s degree in English and a diploma from Holton Arms School in Bethesda (USA).
[edit] Baker & McKenzie
Lagarde joined Baker and McKenzie in 1981. In 1987, she was appointed partner. Four years later, she was elected Managing Partner of the Paris office.
Of the law firm, Lagarde said Baker & McKenzie is "a very democratic environment, which values people in terms of their work and their contribution."[2]
She joined the executive committee in 1995 and was elected Chairman in 1999. She implemented a 'client first' mentality and saw a 30 percent rise in the firm's profits during her tenure. She was reelected Chairman in 2002.
[edit] Trade Ministry
As France's Trade Minister since 2005, Lagarde has prioritized opening new markets for the country's products, focusing on the technology sector.
[edit] Trivia
She is a champion synchronized swimmer.[3]
She has two sons.
She has been awarded France's highest honor, the Legion d'Honneur.[4]
[edit] External Links
Bio of Christine Lagarde, Embassy of France
Christine Lagarde, French Wikipedia
The 100 Most Powerful Women in the World 2006, Forbes.com
Think Tank: Women To Watch, EuropePWN.com
