Mayer Brown has hired ExxonMobil's in-house counsel for Latin America, as the firm looks to launch an office in Mexico City.

The planned office opening is subject to the approval of the Mexican government which is expected to make a decision in the coming months. The firm intends to build the office around the oil, gas and power industries in Mexico.

Francisco Mendez has joined Mayer Brown as a partner from ExxonMobil. He will be based in Houston until the firm is authorised to open in Mexico. 

The firm's decision to launch in Mexico follows changes in regulations liberalising Mexico's energy industry to allow private investment.

"The opening of the energy industry in Mexico presents significant synergies between Mexico and Houston, the global hub for the oil and gas business," said partner-in-charge of the Houston office, Neil Wasserstrom. "Francisco's arrival accelerates the continued growth of Mayer Brown's energy practice and is a testament to our efforts to expand the firm's capabilities to better serve clients on oil, gas and power matters in Mexico."

Prior to joining Mayer Brown Mendez spent 20 years at ExxonMobil. While at the company he advised on significant upstream and downstream projects in Latin America.

News of Mayer Brown's intended launch makes it the latest in a number of international firms trying to open in Mexico.  Last year Hogan Lovells entered into a merger with domestic firm Barrera, Siqueiros y Torres Landa forming Hogan Lovells BSTL. Meanwhile DLA Piper combined with Mexican outfit Gallastegui y Lozano, creating a nine-partner Mexico City based firm in October last year.