The firm announced yesterday that the office will be launched by partners Alexandrine Armstrong-Cerfontaine and Geoffrey Scardoni and focus on corporate, finance, private equity, funds and tax.

Euro funds

Ms Armstrong-Cerfontaine – who becomes Luxembourg managing partner -- launched Armstrong-Cerfontaine Avocats in the jurisdiction three years ago, prior to which she worked for magic circle firm Allen & Overy in London, Paris and Luxembourg.
International tax law specialist Mr Scardoni joins from Luxembourg tax specialist practice of Loyens & Loeff.
SJ Berwin senior partner Stephen Kon commented: ‘Opening an office in Luxembourg is consistent with our international expansion to date. Luxembourg is already an important jurisdiction for many of our clients, with most pan-European funds and continental European domestic funds having some part of their structure there.’

Australasia giant

Elsewhere, the merger of Pittsburgh-based global law firm K&L Gates and Australian practice Middletons formally took effect on Tuesday, following unanimous approval from both partnerships last month.
The merger sees K&L position itself as the largest US-based firm in the Australasian region, with 400 lawyers across 11 offices.
The combined firm now boasts more than 2,000 lawyers across 46 offices worldwide.

London calling

Meanwhile, US national firm Zelle Hofmann Voelbel & Mason has announced the opening of a London office.
According to the firm, the office will primarily focus on complex US insurance disputes, London arbitrations, and global competition and antitrust matters. It will be led by English-qualified lawyer Jason Reeves, who is also licensed to practise in Texas.
Kerry Brown of the firm’s executive committee commented: ‘With London as the epicentre of the world for the insurance industry and anti-trust actions taking place on a global scale, establishing an office in London provides an enhanced platform to best serve our clients’ needs.’