Cooley has launched into continental Europe with the opening of its new Brussels office, expanding its global capabilities and marking the firm’s first entry into continental Europe and its 14th location worldwide.

Planting roots

Competition lawyer Alexander Israel joins from the leading German law firm Noerr LLP, where he helped to set up its Brussels office. Cooley’s expansion in Europe follows the opening of its London office in 2015. Joe Conroy, Cooley’s chief executive officer, says ‘expanding Cooley’s presence in the European Union has long been a key component of our growth strategy.’ Mr Conroy explained, ‘planting roots in the heart of continental Europe enhances our ability to support the growing needs of our global clients, particularly with the uncertainty of the Brexit environment. Alexander is a great addition to our partnership.’

Perfect fit

Mr Israel, who is German-qualified, has more than a decade’s worth of experience in Brussels advising national and international companies on European and German competition law and regulatory matters. He said, ‘Cooley’s superb international offering is the perfect fit for my practice.’