Mayer Brown has expanded its presence in South America through an alliance with Brazilian firm Tauil & Chequer (T&C). Mayer Brown, which has had an office in Brazil’s largest city, São Paulo, since 2007, will now be able to offer local law advice through the tie-up, to be named ‘Tauil & Chequer in association with Mayer Brown’. Stephen Hood, partner in charge of Mayer Brown’s São Paulo office, said: “Continued growth in the energy and infrastructure sectors is a top strategic priority for Mayer Brown, and T&C’s strength in this market will contribute greatly to our realisation of that goal. In addition, both firms share a commitment to excellence in legal work and client service that will help ensure the success of our association.” T&C was founded in 2001 and currently employs 60 lawyers in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. The relationship will also allow T&C’s existing clients, many of whom are active in Africa, to access Mayer Brown’s global network. Mayer Brown chairman Bert Krueger commented: “Mayer Brown has actively represented clients in Brazil and Latin American for nearly two decades, particularly in the banking and finance arena, through the 40-plus members of our Latin America practice. The emergence of Brazil as a major player on the global economic stage led us to establish our office in São Paulo two years ago, which has grown rapidly by serving both Brazilian clients and the firm’s global clients with interests in that country. This new association with T&C is a logical next step in further strengthening our global platform.” This follows news as revealed by The Lawyer that DLA Piper is to open an office in Brazil in the coming months. Source: TheLawyer.com