Conyers' Moscow plan moves up a gear with chief appointed

Conyers Dill & Pearman partner Caroline O'Hare has been appointed to launch the firm's new Moscow office.

Conyers unveiled plans to be the first offshore firm to enter Moscow in January (The Lawyer, 14 January).

Chairman John Collis said the firm had seen "significant growth in quality corporate and finance work" coming out of Russia.

O'Hare will be transferred to Moscow later this month from the firm's Bermuda office, where she specialised in corporate and commercial work. The firm has also recruited corporate associate Alexey Kuzmichev to the office.

"Caroline has many years' experience in banking and finance and in the sorts of transactions we expect to handle in Moscow," said Collis. "We know that launching an office is no small task and I have every confidence in our team."

The Russian operation will focus on general corporate and commercial work for Russian businesses, as well as foreign investment going into the country.

It will be Conyers' ninth global office and reinforces its place in the offshore world's magic circle alongside heavyweights Appleby, Maples and Calder, Mourant du Feu & Jeune, Ogier and Walkers.

The offshore sector is undergoing a period of rapid expansion, with several firms hinting at new office openings in 2008.

Both Appleby and Mourant are considering establishing Singapore bases.