McGrigors has made its first foray into the US market by signing a referral deal with US firm Husch Blackwell.

The so-called 'principal partner' relationship will mean that both organisations will have preferred supplier status on transatlantic work, with the initiative focusing on infrastructure, financial services, energy and government affairs.

As part of the tie-up, the US firm has agreed to move its London office from 60 Chiswell Street – where it is currently located – to McGrigors' London headquarters at 5 Old Bailey. The move, which will be concluded mid-May, is intended to encourage a close working relationship between the two firms.

McGrigors managing partner Richard Masters (pictured) commented: "In our key sectors of infrastructure, energy and professional and financial services, our clients work in an increasingly globalised marketplace. We pride ourselves on being able to respond to and assist our clients wherever they may be, and this relationship will help us do that."

He added: "We have been highly impressed by Husch Blackwell, which shares our client-focused ethos and also many of the areas of specialism for which we are particularly well-known."

Husch Blackwell London managing partner Michael Ray added: "Our presence in the City has been a key element of our success since we opened here in 1999. Our model is unique. We do not compete with UK law firms. Rather we manage our clients' UK service needs and provide a full-service resource for the legal needs of UK-based businesses across the US."

The tie-up comes after McGrigors last month opened its first base in the Middle East with the launch of an office in Qatar.

The launch handed McGrigors its eight office and its second outside of the UK alongside its satellite base in the Falkland Islands.