International firm Hogan Lovells has announced it will close three offices in the coming months as it concentrates more on operations in the UK and US.
The firm said that the decision to end operations in Johannesburg, Sydney and Warsaw is part of its ‘ambitious vision and strategy, designed to solidify its position as a global elite firm’. No closure date was given, with the offices being wound down in the coming months. Approximately 65 lawyers (including 11 partners) and 58 support staff are affected by the closures. There are no confirmed plans to relocate attorneys, however but the firm are considering its options.
Sydney was the firm’s only presence in Australia, while Johannesburg was its sole office in Africa. Hogan Lovells is the second leading firm to announce the closure of a Johannesburg office, following A&O Shearman.
Commenting on the closures in Johannesburg, Sydney and Warsaw, Hogan Lovells chief executive Miguel Zaldivar said the firm had to be ‘present in strategic markets where our clients look to us for support and sophisticated, high-end work’.
He added: ‘Closing these three offices was a difficult decision, but one that was needed so that we can continue our path to achieve transformational growth and drive greater success – particularly in London, New York, California, Texas, Washington D.C., and key international markets. This is part of our ambitious vision and strategic approach to continue to grow as a financially integrated global firm.
‘We are confident in our strong global strategy and offering across our key practice groups and sectors, and will continue to serve our clients in the markets that are most critical to their success.’
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