CC moves partner to boost Prague office

Clifford Chance is boosting its Prague office in recognition of eastern Europe's burgeoning financial markets.

Senior finance partner William Knowles is relocating from the London office to join the finance and banking practice in Prague.

His role will be to strengthen the practice and coordinate regional transactions for global clients.

Knowles became a partner in 1984 and has worked in a variety of regions including the United Arab Emirates, the US and Japan. In 1991 he established Clifford Chance's Moscow office. Regarding his move to eastern Europe he says: "There is no room for us to be complacent in such a competitive market. The intention is to enhance the service we provide to all our clients doing business here."

Knowles will work under Prague managing partner Vlad Petrus, who says: "[Knowles'] breadth and experience is already proving a major benefit for our clients in Prague."

Clifford Chance has offices in Budapest and Warsaw, which comprises 120 lawyers, 16 of whom are partners.