Steptoe's Fannin is New US Ambassador

For more information, contact Jamie Moss, newsPRos, 201-493-1027

(November 15, 2007, Phoenix, AZ) – Paul Robert “Bob” Fannin, a partner in the Phoenix office of Steptoe & Johnson LLP, a top international law firm, was sworn in as a new US Ambassador today. It is expected that Mr. Fannin will present his credentials to the president of the Dominican Republic and, upon acceptance, Mr. Fannin will become the US Ambassador to that country. A member of Steptoe’s Regulatory & Industry Affairs Department, Mr. Fannin has enjoyed a 44-year career as an attorney and business leader, including service on the boards of two financial institutions.

A Phoenix native, Mr. Fannin received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from Stanford University in 1957 and a Juris Doctorate from the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona in 1963. He subsequently served on active duty for three years as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force.

Mr. Fannin has long been an active member of the Arizona State Bar, including serving 14 years as chair of its legal education programs. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the Arizona State University College of Law in 1995, and was appointed by the Supreme Court of Arizona to serve on the State Commission on Salaries of Elected Officials.

Long known for his support of responsible economic growth for Arizona, Mr. Fannin has served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, as well as many committees of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, including the Special Events Committee, which was created to promote Greater Phoenix through the sponsorship of sporting events. He also served on numerous committees under several Arizona governors, including the Governor’s Strategic Partnership for Economic Development, the Plan B Task Force (stadium financing), and Growing Smarter. As Chairman and Member of the Governor’s Motion Picture and Television Advisory Board, he actively promoted film and television production in Arizona.

Mr. Fannin has also been involved in substantial charitable non-profit work and volunteer service.  He is an emeritus board member and former Chair of the Barrow Neurological Institute Foundation, and a member of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society of Phoenix United Way.  Since 2005, he has served as a member of the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships. Mr. Fannin replaces Hans Hertell, who had served as ambassador to the Dominican Republic since 2001.  His appointment in early January 2007 by President Bush was approved by the US Senate on October 26.

About Steptoe & Johnson LLP
With more than 450 attorneys, Steptoe & Johnson LLP provides counsel and representation in a wide range of legal fields. In more than 60 years of practice, the firm has gained a national and international reputation for vigorous representation of clients before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in guiding business transactions. The firm has offices in Washington, New York, Chicago, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Century City, London, and Brussels.