Morrison Foerster (MoFo) is set to open an office in Amsterdam, the US firm's fourth in Europe and 18th globally.

The office will initially offer privacy and data security services to clients in the technology, life sciences and AI sectors, MoFo said. It will be led by partner Alex van der Wolk, co-chair of the firm’s global privacy and data security practice and managing partner of its Brussels office. 

The office will also include newly-promoted partner Marijn Storm and senior of counsel Lokke Moerel, who like van der Wolk are admitted to practise in the Netherlands and specialise in data privacy and cybersecurity. MoFo said it expected further additions following the office’s formal opening, with the firm also intending to add litigation capabilities to the office over time, according to a report by law.com. 

“Establishing a presence in the Netherlands creates an exciting proposition for clients as we grow Morrison Foerster’s global platform,” MoFo chair, Eric McCrath, said. “Amsterdam represents a thriving, multi-industry hub, with many of the globe’s biggest corporations present in the city alongside innovative new startups and scale-ups. 

"The founder members of our Amsterdam office have been practising in the Netherlands for many years and already have an established network in the region, affording us a running start. We are excited at what Amsterdam can bring to our platform,” McCrath added. 

The new office will join MoFo's other European bases in London, Berlin and Brussels. Its launch will leave the firm with one partner, one senior counsel and three associates based fully in Brussels.