Canada, the US and Africa earmarked for international expansion

Allen & Overy (A&O) is set to push ahead with its expansive international strategy after partners gave broad backing to management at the magic circle firm's conference last month. 

A discussion session at the biannual conference held in Monaco on 16-17 May saw partners asked whether the firm should continue with its rapid international growth or start pulling back, with partners giving their support for further expansion. 

The backing paves the way for A&O to focus on further investment in emerging markets such as Africa and Asia, as well as the US and Canada. A US merger remains a long-term aspiration, but there are no current plans or talks under way, with short-term priorities including building out its New York and Washington DC litigation and regulatory practices. 

Partners also discussed the possibility of opening on the West Coast to target intellectual property work and in Houston for energy work. Elsewhere, A&O is also keen to open in Anglophone Africa, although it is still to decide where it should launch in the continent beyond its existing base in Casablanca.

A&O managing partner Wim Dejonghe (pictured) said: "There was overwhelming support from partners for us to continue investing in our global network. But that doesn't mean we intend to open an office in every country and we are not in a race to be first everywhere. 

"The key is ensuring you get the right people and to focus on quality. Any expansion has to be done in a measured way to ensure you can integrate new offices into the culture of the firm."