Miami's Steel Hector forms tie in Brazil

In its second major move in Latin America following the opening of a Caracas office 18 months ago, Steel Hector & Davis, one of the largest firms in Miami, has formed an association with a law firm in Brazil.

Two lawyers, Eduardo Moreira Lima and Michael Royster, left local firm Garcia & Keener Advogados at the end of last year to set up the associated firm, Moreira Lima & Royster, which has offices in SAo Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Steel Hector partner Joseph Pallot said: 'As they were contemplating departing and we were planning on expanding in Brazil, it all came to-gether simultaneously.'

He added that the firm would concentrate on 'serving the classic needs of multinationals', particularly on investment work.

US attorney Reed Herrero is being transferred from Miami to Brazil on a permanent basis.

The move highlights the growing interest shown by international law firms in Brazil and Pallot predicts that more will set up there in the future.

Over the last 18 months, US firm White & Case and UK firms Linklaters and Richards Butler have set up offices, joining Baker & McKenzie and UK firm Clyde & Co, which have been there for a number of years.