Herbert Smith has pushed back its New York launch from July to September, as details begin to emerge about the firm's new US base.

The UK top 10 firm has delayed the opening of the new office – which was originally set to go live in July this year – due to the summer holidays, as discussions with hires near completion.

Herbert Smith London international arbitration partner Chris Parker is relocating to the US to work in the new office. It is expected he will be the only permanent relocation.

The new office will focus on international arbitration, investigations and cross-border disputes and will include US-qualified lawyers; however, the firm is not intending to carry out domestic commercial litigation.

City dispute resolution partner Tony Dempster, who is leading the New York launch, said: "We decided that in light of the summer holidays, September would be the best time to launch for us, and we are on track to open then. We are still focused on setting up an office centred on international arbitration and cross-border investigations and litigation and have a number of hires in the pipeline that will emerge over the summer.

"New York is part of a wider international strategy for Herbert Smith at the moment and we are excited about the potential upcoming developments for the firm over the coming months."

The news comes as Herbert Smith has also pushed back a decision over a launch in Guinea until this month.

The firm had intended to make a final call on whether to open in the African country by June; however, this has now been delayed until July in light of other commitments such as the firm's recently confirmed merger with Australia's Freehills.

Herbert Smith announced its 2011-12 financial results last week, posting a 3% increase in revenue against a drop in partner profits of 6%. The UK top 10 firm reported turnover of £480m for the year, up from £465m in 2010-11, while profits per equity partner have fallen 6% to £840,000 down from £892,000.