The CMS law firm network is set to add member firms from outside Europe for the first time, in an overhaul of its international strategy.

The nine-member network, which includes UK law firm CMS Cameron McKenna, has to date only comprised European members, but is now considering adding member firms in Turkey, Brazil and the US.

The US has been under consideration for some time, but moved up the agenda last year when it launched a CMS-wide US focus group, with representatives including former Camerons senior partner Richard Price.

The network is now targeting a presence in the US via a tie-up with one or several US practices which fit with CMS' sector focus.

Deals in Brazil and Turkey are expected to happen before the US. Camerons set up a small project office in Brazil in 2009 which focuses on the local energy market, while no CMS network firms have a presence in Turkey.

The new strategy was discussed at the annual CMS partner meeting in Berlin at the end of June and comes as the group nears the completion of its convergence programme set out on in early 2008.

Camerons managing partner Duncan Weston (pictured) said: "As an alternative to opening new offices, CMS offers the opportunity for expansion through new member firms.

"The US is an important market and has been on our agenda for some time – this is part of a CMS strategy. We are not in a rush and could also see adding more than one firm that fits with our sector strategy. After finishing the CMS convergence programme we are comfortable to step out in the market and enter discussions with a single organisation approach."

A number of CMS member firms already have offices outside of Europe, with some CMS firms operating shared offices in Moscow and China.