Andersen chooses London for legal HQ

Andersen Legal has chosen a London base for its global marketing operations.

Accounting giant Arthur Andersen's legal arm already has a UK marketing department but the new marketing function will focus on the world-wide Andersen Legal network.

It has taken the head of corporate communications from City law firm Nabarro Nathanson, Chris Hinze, as marketing manager. In his newly-created position, Hinze will be responsible for marketing Andersen Legal's services all around the world.

Hinze will report to Patrick Harkin, Arthur Andersen's director of marketing for the tax, legal and business advisory service.

Harkin says: "Chris' function is network-wide. It is a global function.

"We went through a standard search. We did look in other parts of the world but we decided that the global marketing would be based in London.

"It is critical that the network manager would be based in London, which is the recognised hub of activity for global activities.

"I see the UK firms as taking the lead in the global market."

Hinze says: "From a marketing perspective, the role is one of the most intellectually satisfying and challenging available in the legal profession today."

Andersen Legal can boast more lawyers than Baker & McKenzie and Clifford Chance with 2,700 lawyers in 34 countries.