Steven Francis, Baker & McKenzie Germany's legal market saw a fair amount of activity in the past four weeks. Berlin, a city which, as a burgeoning hub for domestic high-tech start-ups and the home of the government, has enticed Berwin Leighton Paisner, Herbert Smith Freehills and Morrison Foerster into establishing a presence there recently. In March, however, KING & WOOD MALLESONS SJ BERWIN revealed it would be leaving the city. Two of the office's three partners, Frank Vogel and Jan Dirk Heerma, are departing the firm to launch a venture capital boutique. Early this month, Eversheds German arm, HEISSE KURSAWE EVERSHEDS announced it would be launching a base in Germany's capital while simultaneously confirming that the two firms, which currently function as an association, were discussing a merger and full financial integration.
April 23, 2014