Paul Hastings chair eyes Chicago after re-election

Los Angeles-based Paul Hastings Janofsky & Walker is close to completing its much-touted expansion into Chicago, as the firm confirms the re-election of its chairman and managing partner.

Chairman Seth Zachary and managing partner Gregory Nitzkowski have both been re-elected to a further three-year term following an uncontested election last month (September).

At the same time, the firm has confirmed that it is close to securing premises in Chicago and expects to launch in the city within two months.

This follows Zachary’s earlier comments to The Lawyer (7 August) that the firm was “looking actively in Chicago and Germany”, with the expansion expected through “individual or group hires”.

Paul Hastings has been expanding aggressively in recent years off the back of strong financial performance, including launching in Milan and Palo Alto last year.

This follows the firm’s mergers with Hong Kong and China-based firm Koo & Partners in 2002 and Tokyo-based firm Taiyo Law Office last September.

Zarachy is now targeting 20 per cent growth for its UK revenue this financial year, while global growth is likely to be closer to 15 per cent. The firm reported gross revenue of $667m for the 2005 financial year.

In total, the firm has 17 offices globally, including presences in London, Paris, Brussels and the newer Milan office.