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LG and Field Fisher Waterhouse are embarking on reviews of their US referral relationships as UK mid-tier law firms continue to directly target work coming from America.

Both firms are in the process of reviewing which firms they use in the region and are hoping to complete the processes by the end of the year.

LG will comprehensively review its US strategy including the possibility of a US merger. LG’s North America head Lance Feaver is heading the process.

The firm will decide whether it should extend or narrow its relationships and has not ruled out choosing just one US firm, although it believes that will be unlikely.

Meanwhile, Field Fisher is attempting to halve the number of firms it uses in the US. The firm works with 15-20 firms including Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo, Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal, Holland & Knight and Fish & Richardson. Field Fisher denies it is interested in a merger.

The process is being led by international development partner Mark Abell. He said: “Historically, we have worked with a large number of US firms built up over a number of years. We are trying to rationalise it and be more focused.”

The reviews highlight a growing trend among the UK’s mid-tier firms to directly target US corporates — a move epitomised by Eversheds’ recent success in winning main panel roles for companies such as Tyco. Eversheds trimmed its US relationship firms, from more than 15 to around five, two years ago.

In early 2005, Olswang held a similar review and signed a ‘best friends’ relationship with Miami’s Greenberg Traurig six months later.

Eversheds chief executive David Gray commented: “We are shocked that it is only in the last couple of years that many mid-tier and national firms have become seriously involved in the US market.”

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