Farrer & Co has opened for business in Zurich with the launch of a temporary presence in the Swiss city.

The firm began operating out of serviced offices in the centre of Zurich in early June, with the initiative led by private client partner Nick Dunnell and tax head Robert Field, who will be based at the office once a fortnight for a couple of days.

The base will focus on providing wealth management advice, including related work in property, funds and trust litigation.

Dunnell commented: "The new office will strengthen our international practice in Switzerland without us having to open a permanent office. We will review how this initiative goes and we may decide to increase our presence there."

Farrers recently saw the appointment of new senior management, with senior partner James Furber stepping down to be replaced by Jim Edmondson and Richard Parry as co-senior partners.

The news comes alongside fellow UK firm Speechly Bircham's Zurich launch, with the firm's office opening yesterday yesterday (20 June). The new base, which will practise only English law, will be headed by private client partner Mark Summers, who will be joined by two permanent lawyers.

UK managing partner Michael Lingens told Legal Week: "We've been operating in the Swiss market for three years now, advising international private clients as well as private banks and fiduciaries in relation to the UK market, so we feel its time we had a presence in the market there.

"Next to London and Zurich, Luxembourg is the next biggest centre for investment management work in Europe."