Norton Rose Fulbright is to close its office in Australian capital Canberra by the end of the year.

The firm, which entered the market in 2009 through a merger with Sydney-based outfit Deacons, said in a statement it had been servicing Canberra clients – most of whom are government clients – from its Sydney and Melbourne offices since late last year.

The firm is currently in discussions with five staff in Canberra about new roles in alternative offices, while the firm's single resident partner Vince Sharma, who focuses on corporate and commercial work, is set to retire.

"The remaining partner in the Canberra office, Vince Sharma, has now decided to retire from the firm and we wish him well. As a result we have made the decision in Australia to close our office in Canberra by the end of the year," said Australian managing partner Wayne Spanner.

"We are discussing with the five remaining staff the opportunity to pursue comparable roles in other offices and offering them support through this transition period.

"The important work we do for the federal government will continue. There has been no reduction in our work flow. We are committed to doing high-value government work and ensuring that we continue to provide those clients with the right advisors irrespective of where they happen to be located."

Norton Rose is not the first firm to close or shrink offices in Australia recently as tough economic conditions continue to put pressure on corporate and energy practices.

Minneapolis-based firm Dorsey & Whitney closed its Sydney office at the end of last year, while Ashurst said in July it was running its Adelaide office without any partners in response to reduced business activity in South Australia.

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