Goodwin Procter has opened an office in Cambridge in an attempt to break into the city's life sciences and technology market.

In a statement, Goodwin chairman Rob Insolia said the office opening fits with the firm's plan of focusing on specific industries.

"Cambridge is home to some of the world's most disruptive life sciences and technology companies," he said. "It has become a multibillion-pound innovation powerhouse, and is an obvious location for us to expand as we continue to build Goodwin's unique capital-meets-innovation platform in Europe."

The move follows the U.S. firm's hire of a Taylor Wessing life science-focused team earlier this year. The new base will be led by David Mardle, who will split his time between London and Cambridge, the firm announced.

Mardle had been international corporate co-head at Taylor Wessing before he left for Goodwin in June.

He will be joined by additional ex-Taylor Wessing partners Malcolm Bates, Tim Worden and Adrian Rainey, along with one counsel and five associates.

Goodwin has expanded across the globe in recent months, with a particular focus on tech and life sciences.

It launched a European life sciences practice last year with the hire of a four-lawyer team from Dechert, including two in the U.S. and two in the U.K.

Earlier this year, the firm hired four life science partners from U.S. rivals Fenwick & West and Sidley Austin, in its San Francisco and Silicon Valley bases.

Goodwin Procter's London revenue soared by 58% last year, jumping from $42.3 million in 2017 to $66.8 million in 2018.