CMS Cameron McKenna is to close its Hong Kong office – the firm’s last international office outside Europe – as its bid to further integrate its CMS network focuses on the Continent.
The top 20 UK law firm will close its three-lawyer Hong Kong office by the end of the year, with insurance partner Tim Ingham relocating to the City. Ingham will then take on a role developing Camerons’ European insurance practice.
The move marks the closure of Camerons’ last office outside Europe, although its CMS network retains an Asian presence in Shanghai, where CMS Bureau Francis Lefebvre and CMS Hasche Sigle share an office.
The news comes after Legal Week last month revealed that Camerons is pushing for closer co-operation between members firms of its European alliance, with the network to adopt joint branding and target key clients common to member firms.
Commenting on the shift, Camerons managing partner Dick Tyler said: “Our future success is linked to building on our significant strength and depth in Europe. We are not turning away from the Chinese market; CMS has a sizeable and growing presence in Shanghai. We see that as the engine room for our future growth in the Chinese market.”
In a related move, the firm is moving the remainder of its insurance department from its Mitre House headquarters to its dedicated insurance office on Leadenhall Street, EC3. The switch will see around 35 staff cross over this summer to the insurance office, which Camerons opened last year.