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Skadden Set for Sao Paulo Launch
Other firms with offices in Sao Paulo include Mayer Brown, Proskauer Rose, Linklaters and Clifford Chance
Legal Week
March 19, 2008
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom is to open a new office in Sao Paulo, the U.S. giant announced Tuesday.
The new branch represents Skadden's first foray into South America, although the firm established its Latin America practice group almost 20 years ago.
It will be headed by corporate partner Jonathan Bisgaier, who is currently based in Manhattan. He will work closely with fellow corporate partner Paul Schnell, who heads the Latin America group from New York.
The news marks the second office launch announced by Skadden in recent weeks. Last month the firm unveiled a new office in Shanghai with the relocation of corporate partner Gregory Miao, who previously split his time between Hong Kong and Beijing.
Commenting on the plans, Skadden executive partner Robert Sheehan said: "A physical presence in Latin America signals to our existing and future clients that we are committed, more than ever, to handling their most critical legal needs in the region."
He added: "Our new base in Brazil will enable us to provide better service to our clients."
U.S. firms with offices in Sao Paulo include Mayer Brown and Proskauer Rose, while U.K. giants Linklaters and Clifford Chance also maintain a local presence.
Meanwhile, Chadbourne & Parke earlier this month opened in Mexico City after hiring a team from rival firm Thacher Proffitt & Wood.
