Allen and Goetz to launch City base for Boston's Ropes & Gray

US firm Ropes & Gray is set for a London launch with the hire of high-profile City finance duo Maurice Allen and Mike Goetz.

Goetz and Allen (pictured) will lead Ropes & Gray's launch in the City in January next year, aided by senior US-based partners Newcomb Stillwell and David Chapin.

Allen said: "Ropes & Gray have been looking at London for some time now and we have been very impressed with them and their business plan. They are very supportive and the firm's management are realistic about what we want to achieve. Ultimately we need an environment where we can build a successful practice."

Firm chairman Brad Malt said: "We are delighted that Maurice and Mike have decided to join Ropes & Gray, but our clients are the real beneficiaries."

"Our expansion into the UK gives us coverage to execute on our clients' global mandates, and Maurice and Mike have the experience, service orientation, and business acumen to provide the cutting-edge advice for which our private equity and debt practices are renowned."

Allen and Goetz joined joined Freshfields in March last year after seven years at White & Case.

The pair resigned from White & Case's City office amid tensions between the firm's central management and its City branch, with senior figures in London pushing for more autonomy and greater influence over decision-making.

Ropes & Gray was ranked 29th in the 2009 Am Law 100, with revenues of $797m (£481m). The US firm has offices in Boston, Chicago, Hong Kong, New York, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Tokyo and Washington DC.

The firm is known for its strong private equity practice and advises on corporate law and litigation matters as well as labour and employement issues, tax and benefits, creditors' rights and private client services. The new UK base will focus on private equity and debt advice.

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