Howrey is to become the first major US firm to open an office in India, writes The American Lawyer, in a move the intellectual property (IP) specialist hopes will give its clients a low-cost option for document management.

The new branch, which will open in Pune this month with around 15 staff, will handle documents in litigation, IP and arbitration matters pending around the world. Clients will have the choice of whether to use the Indian office or keep work in the US.