Taylor Wessing France and Nixon Peabody have come to an agreement over allegations that the US giant poached 12 partners from Taylor Wessing's Paris office.

The agreement will see Nixon officially open its Paris office with former Taylor Wessing partners, including previous Paris managing partner Arnaud de Senilhes, leaving Taylor Wessing's French arm with eight partners and 27 associates.

Nixon confirmed its expansion into the French market today (28 October) after releasing a statement saying that de Senilhes was set to lead the new office.

The dispute between the two firms began when merger talks failed and 12 partners left Taylor Wessing's French arm to join the US firm.

The firms then entered into a lengthy court battle, resulting in a New York judge ruling in favour of Nixon Peabody, stating that the firm did not steal Taylor Wessing partners, despite a two-year moratorium agreement on recruitment.

It was thought that Taylor Wessing would appeal the judge's decision.

Taylor Wessing said: "Nixon Peabody and Taylor Wessing France are pleased to have been able to amicably resolve their dispute concerning the resignation of certain of Taylor Wessing France lawyers and their subsequent association with Nixon Peabody."

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