To say finding and implementing the right international strategy is tough would be an understatement. History is littered with failed law firm mergers, unsuccessful law firm alliances and office launches gone wrong. Making your move into already crowded legal markets such as London, the Middle East and many Asian countries only compounds the problems, as numerous firms have found to their detriment. 

This week as Jenner & Block finally confirmed its long-anticipated entry to London, Latham announced that it was pulling the plug on two of its four offices in the Middle East. 

In contrast to firms such as Cooley, which in January opened in London with some 50 lawyers, Jenner's launch is relatively understated at this point, with the firm opting to relocate partners from the US initially rather than opening with the hire of a big-name litigator. 

As a firm that is likely to be a harder sell to UK partners than some of its US disputes peers (though with PEP at roughly