10/19/2010
Chicago-based law firm, Mayer Brown LLP, will be focusing on integration and not on merging with other law firms. For the past three years, the firm has been expanding operations in foreign countries like Brazil and Hong Kong.
According to Herbert Krueger, Jr., their immediate focus is “to build up what we have in Asia, America and Europe.” He did not give out information if the firm is looking at expanding into other countries such as Russia and India.
Krueger said that the partners of the firm in foreign countries, particularly in Asia, are earning more than those in US and UK. The firm’s partners are Johnson Stokes & Master in Hong Kong, and Rowe & Maw in London. In December, another association was announced with Tauil & Chequer Advogados, a Brazilian law firm.
Krueger said that consolidation in the legal industry shall continue. The Asian partnership Mayer Brown JSM shall be retained. This combination has ushered new clients, one of which is Beijing Automotive Industry Holding, Co. The firm advised said company on its acquisition of the General Motor Company’s Saab unit’s technology.
All around the world, Mayer Brown has 1,750 lawyers and their Asia-based lawyers grew by 10% since 2008. The firm is also planning to send lawyers who speak Chinese to their offices in US and Europe.
