SJ Berwin is reaching a key point in its international development. Having nearly a decade ago trail-blazed by relaunching itself as a European player, the question is where the firm goes now that its long Continental campaign is largely finished.
That means that the two key elements in the equation that Berwins needs to consider are the US and the key emerging markets. The US has always provided a dilemma for the firm, as its entrepreneurial and individualistic style has long drawn comparisons with the US legal model. For some this meant the firm was a natural candidate for a US tie-up. For its part, SJs has always denied that an American deal is the end game, though it seems apparent that some partners support such a move.
