Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom is to open a new office in
Sao Paulo, the
US giant announced today (18 March).
The new branch is expected to open in May or June and represents Skadden’s first foray into South America, although the firm established its Latin America practice group almost 20 years ago.
It will initially focus on M&A and corporate finance and will be headed up by corporate partner Jonathan Bisgaier, who is currently based in Manhattan. He will work closely with fellow corporate partner Paul Schnell, who heads the Latin America group from New York.
The news marks the second office launch announced by Skadden in recent weeks. Last month the firm unveiled a new office in Shanghai with the relocation of corporate partner Gregory Miao, who previously split his time between Hong Kong and Beijing.
Commenting on the plans, Skadden executive partner Robert Sheehan said: “A physical presence in Latin America signals to our existing and future clients that we are committed, more than ever, to handling their most critical legal needs in the region.”
He added: “Our new base in Brazil will enable us to provide better service to our clients.”
US firms with offices in Sao Paulo include Mayer Brown and Proskauer Rose, while City giants Linklaters and Clifford Chance also maintain a local presence.
Meanwhile, Chadbourne & Parke earlier this month opened in Mexico City after hiring a team from rival US firm Thacher Proffitt & Wood.
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