Magic Circle firm Clifford Chance has hit Australian shores and is eager to grow its numbers.

The top UK firm by revenue will officially open its doors in Sydney and Perth on May 1, through mergers with local firms Chang, Pistilli & Simmons (CP&S) and Cochrane Lishman Carson Luscombe (CLCL).
The firm will open with 14 partners from the existing two firms and is aiming to grow to between 20 and 25 partners in the next three to five years. Along with the partner increase, the firm will also be seeking to add significant lawyer power, with an aim of two to two and a half lawyers per partner, which means 40 to 60 lawyers within five years.

In the Sydney market the firm is looking for lawyers with experience in corporate M&A or banking and finance; and in Perth lawyers with corporate M&A experience.

“I’m assuming there will lots of e-mails hitting my inbox in the next few days. We are interested in getting as many quality people that are in the CC network or former CC people that are wanting to return,” said Clifford Chance partner Scott Bache.