Allen & Overy (A&O) is set to launch in Vietnam later this year, with the magic circle firm hiring Mayer Brown JSM's country managing partner, Dao Nguyen, to lead two new offices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

The offices are expected to open in the third quarter of 2012 and will expand the firm's reach to 42 offices across 29 countries. The practice will focus on energy, infrastructure and M&A.

A&O plans to recruit a team to join Dao, as well as strengthening the offering with associates from other offices.

Corporate partner Nguyen, who will join as Vietnam managing partner later this year, has worked at JSM Mayer Brown since 1995, specialising in commercial matters, real estate, energy and infrastructure projects. Her clients include the Government of Vietnam and foreign investors.

A&O Asia Pacific managing partner Thomas Brown said: "Vietnam is rapidly establishing itself as a key jurisdiction within South East Asia and is of increasing interest to international companies and investors. We have an unrivalled footprint across the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) region where we are able to advise clients on both international and domestic law in Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and now Vietnam, as well as bringing our broader network across Asia Pacific to bear."

Vietnam has grown faster than any Asian economy than China since 2000, with the country's economy posting annual per capita growth of 5.3%.

Other firms in the country include Hogan Lovells, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and French independent Gide Loyrette Nouel.

News of the launch comes is the latest example of A&O's expansion into emerging markets in recent years, with the firm launching offices in Indonesia and Morocco as well as Australia over the last two years.