Bird & Bird, the esteemed international law firm, is taking a significant step forward with the inauguration of a new office in Tokyo and the addition of Ashurst partner Hiro Iwamura to their team, in an effort to broaden their footprint in the Japanese market. The newly established office is aimed at providing assistance to the firm’s Japanese clientele in the realms of renewable energy, life sciences, and technology, as well as enabling outbound work across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Luxembourg’s Goodwin Procter office is poised to witness a substantial enhancement with the recruitment of Virginie Leroy, who previously held the position of co-head of investment funds at the esteemed European firm AKD. Leroy’s extensive expertise will be utilized to elevate the firm’s European funds practice, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge gained during her tenure at AKD and Canadian firm DSL.
Former White & Case partner Ian Bagshaw is preparing to lead the launch of Perkins Coie’s London office, alongside five of his former colleagues. In his new capacity as managing partner, Bagshaw will spearhead the firm’s foray into the UK market, with its sole other international offices situated in Taipei and Beijing. The emphasis will be on fortifying Perkins Coie’s presence in London with a team that brings an abundance of expertise and experience.
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, a firm that had hitherto abstained from engaging in lateral hiring, has departed from tradition by welcoming Alexander van der Gaag as a new partner from Kirkland & Ellis’ debt finance team. Van der Gaag, who spent nine years at Kirkland after joining from Baker McKenzie, brings with him a wealth of experience that will further enhance Cleary’s London team.
To summarise, these recent developments within the legal sector epitomize the ongoing expansion and strategic manoeuvres being undertaken by law firms to fortify their presence in crucial markets and practice areas. From the establishment of new offices to the recruitment of high-profile individuals, these developments are emblematic of the continual evolution and advancement of the legal industry.