Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan has opened its eighth European office, launching a high-stakes disputes outpost in Zurich.
The new base will be led by former Novartis group general counsel Thomas Werlen, who joined the firm in the US as a partner in 2012.
Quinn Emanuel has been trying to get regulatory approval to open in Zurich for a number of years.
The new office will allow the firm to strengthen its existing relationship with Fifa, which is headquartered in Zurich. Quinn Emanuel has been acting for Fifa during US and Swiss-led investigations into allegations of corruption at the football body.
The office will also boost Quinn Emanuel’s representation of shareholders in chemicals company Sika, which is the subject of a contested multi-billion dollar takeover bid.
The firm’s other European offices are in London, Paris, Brussels, Munich, Hamburg, Mannheim and Moscow.
Managing partner John Quinn said the Zurich practice will be “tailored to the unique characteristics of the Swiss market”. He added: “Our clients will benefit from Quinn Emanuel’s international network when faced with regulatory or litigation exposure in the US, within the EU, and in Asia.”
Zurich head Werlen said the firm’s model of practising solely business litigation is “unique” in the Swiss market. He added: “We feel confident this will resonate with clients”.