Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan is to open its fourth European office, with the launch of a Paris base on 7 January next year.

The litigation and arbitration focused office will be headed by Shearman & Sterling Paris international arbitration partner Philippe Pinsolle.

Pinsolle, who is admitted to practice in both France and England, has acted as counsel in more than 180 international arbitrations in both commercial and investor-state disputes in industries including oil and gas, energy, construction, and defence.

Quinn managing partner John Quinn (pictured) commented: "Paris is one of the global centres of international arbitration, and Philippe is one of the leaders of that bar. To achieve our goal of having a world class international arbitration practice, we had to have an office in Paris and we had to have a civil law expert."

Earlier this year the fast-growing US firm set out ambitious plans to expand across Asia and Europe, with Germany, Switzerland and Singapore for office launches within the next two years. The firm subsequently launched in Hamburg with the hire of a team from Allen & Overy (A&O).

Pinsolle said: "Quinn Emanuel's goal is to develop one of the world's elite international arbitration groups. One need only look at the roster of international arbitration stars the firm has recruited such as Stephen Jagusch to conclude they are serious about making that goal a reality."

Jagusch, who has yet to join the London office as international arbitration head, was hired in May alongside fellow A&O partner Anthony Sinclair. A&O initially suggested it would hold Jagusch to his full contractual 12-month notice period, though it is understood he will now join at the beginning of 2013.

Quinn recently took on additional office space in London, while the firm is also targeting a launch in Zurich, with recent recruit Thomas Werlen – formerly global general counsel at pharmaceuticals giant Novartis – set to lead the base.