Rick L. Johnson brings more than 30 years of legal and accounting firm experience

BakerHostetler today announced that Rick L. Johnson has been named chief financial officer. He comes to the firm after 11 years with Perkins Coie LLP.

With more than 30 years of experience in financial management, including other legal and accounting CFO positions, Johnson understands the unique financial and operational structures of an Am Law firm and brings a record of achievement in helping organizations maintain and improve their financial stability and success. At BakerHostetler, he will oversee all of the firm’s financial processes and will work closely with firm management and attorneys to develop tools and resources to continue strengthening client relationships.

“We’re pleased that Rick has chosen to bring his specialized experience and track record of success to our firm,” said Steven Kestner, chairman of BakerHostetler. “His accounting background, paired with nearly 20 years in the legal industry, and his attention to client service will be integral to our firm’s continued growth.”

“I’m impressed by the significant growth BakerHostetler has experienced over the past few years due to a clear strategy aligned with the firm’s strengths,” said Johnson. “The firm is poised to continue this growth, and I look forward to providing our attorneys with the best support possible as they continue to focus on their clients’ goals and needs.”

Johnson is a magna cum laude graduate of Utah State University with a degree in accounting and is a certified public accountant. He started his career with Arthur Andersen & Co., and went on to become a senior audit manager at Coopers & Lybrand before taking on the role of CFO for AIA Services Corporation, a closely held insurance marketing and services organization. He joined the legal profession in 1997 as the first CFO for Seattle-based Bogle & Gates, and then spent six years as CFO at Preston Gates & Ellis LLP before joining Perkins Coie.