Gide opens ten-strong outpost in Ukraine

Gide Loyrette Nouel is continuing its international expansion plan by launching a 10-strong office in Kiev.

The French international firm will be operational in the Ukrainian capital from today (4 September). The Kiev office is Gide's 20th office worldwide and opens shortly before the firm's 85th anniversary.

Senior partner Gérard Tavernier told The Lawyer: "We expect to be able to bring more to our clients than they can find with Ukrainian firms."

Gide senior associate Karl Hepp de Sevelinges, who is French and German-qualified, will relocate to Kiev to lead the new venture. He will be joined by another two lawyers already with Gide, as well as a number of lawyers hired from Ukrainian firms.

Tavernier said Gide has been looking at Ukraine for some time and that the Kiev office should have close synergies with the rest of Gide's network. During the past 15 years the firm has launched in a number of Central and Eastern European countries, including Poland, Russia, Hungary, Romania and Serbia.

Gide is one of only a small number of international law firms to work in the Ukraine. Baker & McKenzie and Salans are among the few that are present.