Greenberg secures trophy hire of Maher for London launch

US firm Greenberg Traurig is to launch in London with the hire of former Mayer Brown heavyweight Paul Maher.

Maher is joining the Miami firm with two other Mayer Brown partners - corporate partner Fiona Adams and former European environment head Cate Sharp.

He joins the firm as chairman of a separate UK limited liability practice to be called Greenberg Traurig Maher, and will also co-chair the US firm's global M&A practice.

Sharp and Adams will serve as co-managing partners of the London practice.

Maher told Legal Week that the focus in Europe will predominantly be transactional, with an emphasis on industries including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, life sciences and energy, with the office also set to work across Greenberg's entertainment and leisure strongholds.

He added: "[Greenberg's] business model has a can-do attitude. They are very ambitious and enthusiastic and open to the growth and style that I think is going to be needed moving forward. They have a good growth story."

The launch marks the third independent office in Europe for Greenberg after Zurich and Amsterdam. The firm also has access to the UK, Berlin and Brussels through an alliance with Olswang, as well as alliances in Milan and Rome.

However, the hire of Maher raises questions about the future of the alliance with Olswang, although Greenberg president Richard Rosenbaum maintained that the firm would continue to work with Olswang where "doing so will add value" to both firms' respective clients.

Olswang managing partner David Stewart said: "We began an alliance with Greenberg four years ago. It is an arrangement that has suited our firm well. We look forward to continuing our work and friendship with Greenberg."

The London opening comes after a string of lateral hires by Greenberg, with the firm adding 40 partners since January. The New York arm recently picked up restructuring partners Bruce Zirinsky and John Bae from Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft.

Click here for an American Lawyer profile of Greenberg Traurig.