Hogan Lovells has become the latest firm announcing plans to close its Prague office, with local partners set to launch an independent operation.

The transatlantic firm said the decision had been made because the office dealt primarily with local, rather than international matters.

The office's two partners – Miroslav Dubovsky and Pavel Skopovy – are expected to establish their own boutique practice later in the summer, with the hope of retaining all 12 fee earners and 14 support staff currently employed by Hogan Lovells. A spokesperson added that Hogan Lovells expects to have a referral relationship with the new firm.

David Harris, global co-chief executive of Hogan Lovells, said: "We have taken the decision to close the Prague office following a review of the market and our investment priorities.

"The partners in Prague understand the decision and are considering the possibility of the office becoming an independent local firm with an informal referral relationship with Hogan Lovells. We are very grateful to all of our people in Prague for their hard work over the years."

Dubovsky added: "Hogan Lovells has operated in the Czech Republic since 1991 working for both domestic and international clients. Obviously, global and local markets and priorities have changed since then.

"We firmly believe that we have a good practice and that there are market opportunities that we can take advantage of, including working with Hogan Lovells in the future. We look forward to the new challenges."

Last month, Norton Rose also closed its base in the Czech capital. The office, which numbered two partners, eight other fee earners and 18 staff, had been running since 2006.