Despite denials, evidence is mounting that Freshfields may open up shop in Australia.
The firm has hired top headhunter John Colvin to scout out potential recruits for its first office down under, according to The Lawyer. Back in the mists of 1999 Colvin was CEO of Blake Dawson, and at the time he talked up Freshfields as an ideal merger partner. However Freshfields rebuffed his advances rather sniffily, saying "we don't regard Australia as being a continent where we need a presence to be in the premier division of international firms" (no doubt adding that it didn't think this internet thing would catch on).
It seems the firm may have changed its tune. As well as retaining Colvin, there are reports that Freshfields recently sent over three partners to assess how best to put down antipodean roots.
However Freshfields is keeping its cards close to its chest. A spokesman said "we have no current plans to open an office in Australia. We do a lot of work with Australian companies and often have partners down in Australia helping clients and building relationships with the strong independent local firms". Phew. If the local firms are strong and independent then their partners definitely wouldn't be interested in jumping ship. Even if Freshfields was offering. Which it isn't.
For a new arrival in a hurry a poaching expedition might be a smart move. And Freshfields would certainly be playing catch-up to the many international firms which already boast Australian offices. If it was looking, that is.
Tip Off ROF
The firm has hired top headhunter John Colvin to scout out potential recruits for its first office down under, according to The Lawyer. Back in the mists of 1999 Colvin was CEO of Blake Dawson, and at the time he talked up Freshfields as an ideal merger partner. However Freshfields rebuffed his advances rather sniffily, saying "we don't regard Australia as being a continent where we need a presence to be in the premier division of international firms" (no doubt adding that it didn't think this internet thing would catch on).
It seems the firm may have changed its tune. As well as retaining Colvin, there are reports that Freshfields recently sent over three partners to assess how best to put down antipodean roots.
However Freshfields is keeping its cards close to its chest. A spokesman said "we have no current plans to open an office in Australia. We do a lot of work with Australian companies and often have partners down in Australia helping clients and building relationships with the strong independent local firms". Phew. If the local firms are strong and independent then their partners definitely wouldn't be interested in jumping ship. Even if Freshfields was offering. Which it isn't.
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Freshfields not checking out Australia yesterday |
For a new arrival in a hurry a poaching expedition might be a smart move. And Freshfields would certainly be playing catch-up to the many international firms which already boast Australian offices. If it was looking, that is.