Bryan Cave has taken its first steps into mainland Europe after snaring a four-partner team from the Italian arm of US rival Willkie Farr & Gallagher, with further launches on the Continent expected in the coming months.

The Milan-based team, set to leave Willkie on 31 July, is led by corporate partners Fulvio Pastore-Alinante and Paolo Barozzi, who will join Bryan Cave as local co-managing partners. Two local partners and one counsel will also be joining.