Clifford Chance to Open 1st Office in Africa; Move Follows Similar Announcement By A&O
Clifford Chance has announced that it is opening its first office in Africa.
The London-based megafirm plans to plant its flag in Morocco by the end of the year, reports Legal Week.
Mustapha Mourahib, a Paris-based partner who is a Moroccan national, will move there to establish the firm’s African base. However, energy partners Jeremy Connick and Anthony Giustini will continue to lead the practice group. They are based in London and Paris, respectively.
“The development of our firm has always followed the needs of our client base and that is why we are now placing increased emphasis on our strategy for Africa,” says David Childs, the firm’s managing partner.
“Although we have been active and investing in the continent for over 30 years, clients now, more than ever, want access to our deep understanding of the complexities and nuances of the African investment landscape, not just within the region but also through our knowledge of and contacts with major sponsors of inward investment, particularly in China, India and the Middle East.”
Earlier this month, the firm’s magic circle competitor, Allen & Overy, announced it planned to open its first office in Africa in Casablanca, as another Legal Week article details.
While A&O was the first to make the plan official, Clifford Chance’s focus on Africa was reported by Legal Week in April.
Related coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Clifford Chance Revenue Rises 2 Percent, Partner Profit Jumps 8 Percent to $1.6M”
