Field Fisher Waterhouse is launching a representative base in Silicon Valley in a drive to boost the firm's US business.

The Palo Alto office, which is set to open today (3 September), will be helmed by London privacy and information partner Phil Lee. The West Coast practice, which will not offer local law advice, is intended to strengthen relationships between local clients and the firm's European teams.

The firm intends to expand the practice with up to three lawyers if the launch is successful.

Lee commented: "We also advise a number of 'big pharma' clients as well as biotechs and medical devices companies. We will be able to target US companies considering investments in Europe and to build on our existing relationships with clients in the region."

The launch, approved by a partnership vote in May, is part of the firm's US strategy committee's focus on highly regulated businesses, as well as IP- and technology-driven companies. The group, which was set up in 2008, is headed by London-based intellectual property partner Nick Rose.

Rose commented: "The US is a big market for us – around 25% of our revenue comes from the States and we have a growing number of multinational clients based in Silicon Valley. Taking our leading reputation in the TMT sector to the focal point of the world's technology industry gives us the opportunity to better service our existing client base as well as attract work from US clients who require legal advice from across our European offices."

Technology, media and communications clients at FFW include social media giant Facebook, search engine Google, online streaming service Netflix and gaming company Zynga.

News of the launch comes after Field Fisher recently called off merger talks with LG that could have created a firm with combined revenues of £150m.

For more, see Field Fisher and LG reject merger deal as talks over £150m tie-up end.