XXIV Old Buildings snares Geneva head from 2 Temple Gardens

Commercial chancery set XXIV Old Buildings has ramped up its international offering with the hire of 2 Temple Gardens barrister Ian Meakin as its Geneva office head.

Meakin, who was called to the bar in 1991, takes over the reins of the Geneva office from Marcus Staff, who will be based in London, but who will maintain an active role in the Swiss market.

The set's push in Geneva, which began when it launched an office in 2000, is part of its overall strategic plan to grow its international capabilities.

Nicholas Luckman, XXIV's senior practice manager, said its tactics come as a result of an increasing number of cases having international elements.

"We've seen a large increase in the number of business disputes coming to us that have an international dimension, be it that the dispute is based in the UK or abroad, in particular in Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands and the Channel Islands," said Luckman.

The set said the strategy has led to its international work now accounting for 40 per cent of turnover, which last year stood at £11.2m.

This percentage is expected to increase during the next financial year.

Martin Mann QC, joint head of chambers, said of Meakin: "Ian's developed a very successful international practice that will enhance and develop our existing capabilities."