Ropes & Gray is set to take on graduates in its London practice as the US firm looks to expand in the City.

The firm's existing London strategy has been to grow through lateral hires, but as the burgeoning practice begins to consolidate its presence in the UK, management is beginning to consider a formal graduate recruitment arrangement.

Joint office heads Maurice Allen and Mike Goetz (pictured) are working alongside client director Catherine McGonagle to launch the programme, which is expected to take off in 2011.

McGonagle, who is responsible for the London office's client programmes, as well as its knowledge and learning systems, has been in talks with the Law Society and some of the major universities.

"We have undertaken some of the initial legwork, but it is a long drawn-out process and it will take a while until the recruitment becomes integral to the firm," commented Goetz. "Luckily we are able to build on our fantastic reputation in the States in order to make sure we have access to a large talent pool."

Ropes & Gray moved to its permanent office space at 5 New Street Square in January 2009, with the firm initially planning to house some 40 lawyers.

The firm has made several high-profile hires, including including banking partner Matthew Cox from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and restructuring partner Tony Horspool from Weil Gothsal & Manges.