White & Case is set to become one of the first major international law firms to pull out of the Italian market as it prepares to close its
The 15-lawyer
The office's sole equity partner, Sean Geary, will relocate to
The firm said in a statement: "White & Case has periodically reviewed its position in the Italian market since opening there. It was concluded in the most recent of these reviews that the level of investment required to reach the position in
"We will continue to work with our clients around the globe on transactions and matters relating to the Italian market, using all the resources available within our 2,400-strong team of lawyers to ensure that our clients continue to experience the same high level of service they have always received from White & Case. We will work with local Italian counsel as required, including, we hope, a number of lawyers who were part of our Italian operation."
White & Case entered
The
Many international firms have struggled to build their presence in Italy but White & Case's decision makes it the first leading firm to pull out of the market altogether. The firm stressed that the decision was unrelated to the ongoing review of its worldwide business by management consultancy McKinsey.
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