Herbert Smith is rumoured to be the latest UK firm to consider a move to Australia, following in the wake of Norton Rose, Clifford Chance and Allen & Overy.
Maybe it's Australia's abundance of natural resources, maybe it's the proximity to economic-behemoth China or maybe it's just the nice beaches. But whatever it is that's attracting UK firms to the country's shores, they seem to be coming in droves. And Herbies' possible arrival is probably not the best news for top tier national firms already worrying about the plethora of international firms laying down roots in Australia, poaching lawyers and nabbing pitches.
Generally a little conservative when it comes to spreading its wings overseas, Herbies tends to favour "best friends" alliances rather than setting up under its own steam. So it's not clear whether the firm might prefer an alliance or merger, or whether it would make like A&O and poach itself a ready-made team to operate under the Herbert Smith banner. Sources are suggesting that it might be eyeing up Blake Dawson as a potential match. Freehills, too, is reported to be in the mix - perhaps its innovative "Empty Chair" managementbollocks initiative might give it the edge. Although a spokeswoman for Freehills said "we are not in the practice of commenting on rumours in the market".
Herbert Smith refused to comment on the rumours, which were prompted by a report in The Lawyer. Aussie readers wanting a little more information about the latest alleged UK interloper should know that its staff aren't necessarily averse to the odd bit of workplace porn, its trainees can get a little fruity on drinks trolleys and it pays some of its lawyers just £10 per hour. Should liven up the market no end.
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Maybe it's Australia's abundance of natural resources, maybe it's the proximity to economic-behemoth China or maybe it's just the nice beaches. But whatever it is that's attracting UK firms to the country's shores, they seem to be coming in droves. And Herbies' possible arrival is probably not the best news for top tier national firms already worrying about the plethora of international firms laying down roots in Australia, poaching lawyers and nabbing pitches.
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Herbert Smith spreading its wings yesterday (artist's impression) |
Generally a little conservative when it comes to spreading its wings overseas, Herbies tends to favour "best friends" alliances rather than setting up under its own steam. So it's not clear whether the firm might prefer an alliance or merger, or whether it would make like A&O and poach itself a ready-made team to operate under the Herbert Smith banner. Sources are suggesting that it might be eyeing up Blake Dawson as a potential match. Freehills, too, is reported to be in the mix - perhaps its innovative "Empty Chair" management
Herbert Smith refused to comment on the rumours, which were prompted by a report in The Lawyer. Aussie readers wanting a little more information about the latest alleged UK interloper should know that its staff aren't necessarily averse to the odd bit of workplace porn, its trainees can get a little fruity on drinks trolleys and it pays some of its lawyers just £10 per hour. Should liven up the market no end.