BLP lays groundwork for move into Latin America
Berwin Leighton Paisner has created an 11-strong panel of Latin American referral firms, laying the groundwork for it to open its own office in the region.
Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) has created an 11-strong panel of Latin American referral firms, laying the groundwork for it to open its own office in the region.
The roster comprises firms ;from ;Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Paraguay, Venezuela and Central America with expertise in climate change, competition, corporate finance, employment, gaming, hotels, IT and IP.
Adam Rose, BLP’s jurisdiction partner for Brazil and head of the business and technology services group, said: “Client demand for services in Latin America is regularly called upon. These economies have come through a period of ;dictatorships ;and economic turmoil and European businesses see the opportunities.”
International director John Taylor said BLP would consider opening an office of its own in Latin America.
“The strategy of having one or two non-exclusive referral firms has worked well in advanced jurisdictions,” he added, “but in some emerging markets clients want something different – whether it’s that they want the comfort of English law or like the idea of the firm name.”
Taylor dismissed the view that the global downturn obviates the need for such a panel. “It’s a good time to launch this in line with the activities of other firms,” he said. “There’s not as much work as two years ago, but strategically we think it’s good to be well-positioned for when the upturn comes.”
BLP works with preferred firms in 70 jurisdictions in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and North America. It has foreign offices in Brussels, Paris, Singapore and, as of this month, Abu Dhabi.
The firm is also launching in Moscow with 69 lawyers from Pepeliaev Goltsblat
& Partners.
Readers' comments (1)
Rafael Solorzano | 18-Sep-2009 10:05 pm
It is quite common nowadays for foreign law firms to open offices of their own in Latin America.
Foreign clients appear to prefer dealing with a law firm which is established in their homeland which they may be able to hold accountable based on the law of their country. But, in recent times, clients recognize global law firms which open offices in foreign countries and rely on the firm’s prestige thus elect to retain their services over local barristers.
The main challenge for large international firms and smaller local firms alike, is to establish a successful long-term relationship with their clients on foreign soil. That is, the client expectations must be consistent with what the local law firm understands about those expectations.
Foreign clients often do not fully understand the nuances of legal practice customs, standards of professional responsibility, local political systems and economic environment which may limit their ability to achieve their business goals in the law firm’s country.
Rafael Solorzano
Corporate Practice Manager
Grupo Farias
Tax Attorneys
Tijuana, Mexico
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