Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe’s long-awaited French launch could be delayed until January 2003 following the breakdown of discussions with the Paris office’s parent firm, Watson Farley & Williams.

In January this year, Orricks announced it was to take over the whole of Watson Farley’s highly rated Paris operation, but discussions broke down in April, leading the seven-partner team to resign, but continue to work for the London-based firm.