Couderts' Berlin base opens gate to Baltics

COUDERT Brothers has opened a Berlin office, moving Brussels-based Dr Karl Pilny out as resident partner.

Pilny moved into the offices of local firm Murawo & Hausler & Partners last Monday to concentrate on Couderts' industrial clients in the region.

The US firm has signed a "corporation agreement" with Murawo, known for its work in litigation, real estate, corporate and tax law, to co-handle cases on an ad hoc basis.

The office is also expected to provide the firm with greater access to Poland and the Baltic States, where a number of Coudert clients are already based.

Paris partner Jacques Buhart, who has handled plans for the office opening for the past two to three years, said the firm believes Berlin will become the leading city in Germany in coming years.

"We believe that in the long run Berlin will become the city in Germany, maybe not financially but for all other legal work.

"We can use Berlin as a springboard for Poland and the Baltic States, where we do not have offices or intend to have offices," said Buhart.

He said another Coudert lawyer was likely to join in Berlin before the close of 1995, and two or three additional practitioners would be brought in next year.