Bryan Cave has launched its new Italian arm two months ahead of schedule. The Milan office – which represents the US law firm's first presence on continental Europe – opened earlier this month, well ahead of the expected launch date of 30 September.

Bryan Cave established the base ahead of schedule after its offices were vacated earlier than expected by outgoing tenant White & Case, which could not fill the floor space.

The Bryan Cave team is led by co-managing partners Fulvio Pastore-Alinante and Paolo Barozzi, both former corporate partners at the Italian arm of US rival Willkie Farr & Gallagher. They quit Willkie Farr at the end of July along with two local partners and one counsel.