IT expert to head Pacific venture

US LEGAL management consultants Altman Weil Pensa has announced plans to establish a presence in the Pacific Rim under the direction of former Cameron Markby Hewitt information technology head Wendy London.

London, who left CMH in 1994, will also become head of a new information, media and communications group at 21-partner Australian firm Price Brent from August. She will

divide her time between Melbourne and New Zealand.

A dual UK-US national, London qualified as a lawyer in the US in 1983.

Before joining CMH in 1987, she spent several years working in the electronic

publishing industry in the US, the Netherlands and the UK

developing legal information sources.

As a principal consultant for AWP, London will specialise in strategic uses of information, including international communications for law firms, governments and in-house legal department clients in the region. She will also work on projects in the UK, Europe and US.

AWP says London's appointment will provide both existing and prospective clients with access to sophisticated technology consulting and an "on the ground" presence.

"I am pleased to be given the opportunity to help develop AWP's Pacific Rim practice," says London. "Legal organisations in the region are growing both in size and scope and are faced with restructuring their approach to organisational and information management.

"Having a base in the South Pacific will enable AWP to monitor developments there and to have a part in the changes which are occurring."