Travers Smith is reviewing its US relationships in the wake of a number of its referral firms bulking up their UK law offerings in the City.

The top 50 UK law firm has traditionally worked with US institutions such as Ropes & Gray, Goodwin Procter and Proskauer Rose – all of which have expanded in London in recent years.

In addition to looking to redistribute work traditionally sent to these firms, the review, which is being led by senior partner Chris Carroll (pictured), is also expected to result in new relationships in other parts of the US, such as Florida, Arizona and Minnesota.

The review comes after Goodwin Procter effectively relaunched its London office with a double partner hire from Ashurst in October 2011, while both Proskauer and Ropes have made funds hires in recent months.

Carroll said: "We're trying to ensure we get the work done at the best price and using the best people, while thinking strategically about our position in light of increasing competition from US firms in the City. It is also important for us to look at other regions within the US that our clients have asked us about to ensure that we have full coverage and access to the top firms when needed. Our review of the US comes alongside a further look at our international strategy with a particular focus on investing in our emerging market relationships."

Travers is also looking to build on its relationships in Brazil, Russia, India and China.

The news comes as it has emerged that Carroll will not run again for senior partner when his term ends in summer 2013.

Meanwhile, Slaughter and May is also shaking up its US relationships after Davis Polk & Wardwell announced plans to launch an English law arm in the City in January this year, with the hire of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer corporate partner Simon Witty.

The magic circle firm has cited Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison, Cravath Swaine & Moore and Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz as among those that may benefit from increased referral work in light of Davis Polk's move.