WilmerHale aims to triple headcount in Frankfurt

The US firm launched in Frankfurt in November 2008 with a 20-lawyer team from Mayer Brown. The office now has 24 lawyers, including five partners.

WilmerHale moves into a ­permanent office this week and aims to grow to 60 lawyers, making most of its hires in the next two years.

Berlin head Martin ­Seyfarth said: “The short-term goal is 60 lawyers. This is, of course, dependent on the development of the office and market ­conditions. We hope to make the majority of the hires by the end of 2010. After that we can judge what more capabilities we need.”