US law firm set to raise global profile

We closely studied the business landscape throughout Europe and found that this is the right time for us to expand there.

Matt Larrabee
Chairman
Heller Ehrman

By Anna Rooke, OurWorld Editor

Heller Ehrman offers its legal expertise to a wide range of businesses – from early-stage technology firms to established, multinational conglomerates.

The firm has just announced its first European office in London.

The new base will enable Heller Ehrman to extend three of its core practices – corporate, real estate, and competition – and expand its services throughout Europe.

Accessing hi-tech firms

London’s pre-eminence as a global financial capital has attracted Heller Ehrman to the UK.

The increasing popularity of AIM to international technology companies has led to a high demand for its legal services.

The firm aims to enhance its status as a leading legal services provider to emerging growth and technology industry companies, including those in the life sciences sector by setting up in the UK.

Base for international expansion

The high proportion of companies that are undertaking global expansion from London led to Heller Ehrman’s decision to come to the UK.

“Our clients continue to experience growth in international markets, where they need legal services of the quality and experience that they know we can provide,” said chairman Matt Larrabee.

“We closely studied the business landscape throughout Europe and found that this is the right time for us to expand there,” he added.

Property services in high demand

The firm’s principal areas of real estate practice have also experienced a significant surge in UK and European activity.

US-based private equity investment in European real estate is one area that has shown signs of expansion.

The firm anticipates that the office will be staffed with 15 to 25 lawyers by the close of the first year of operation.