Osborne Clarke is launching an office in Miami with the recruitment of Samaniego Law's managing partner Javier Fernández-Samaniego. This will be Osborne Clarke's third US office and its 26th international location. The Miami office is the next stage in the firm's US and international arbitration strategies.
Javier will work closely with Osborne Clarke's award-winning OC Solutions Team as Samaniego Law is known for its innovative and transformational Legal Interim Management Service and Managed Services Solutions. The firm will also benefit from Javier's position as a leading lawyer in IT and data law and international dispute resolution matters acquired in leading commercial law firms over 25 years.
"We continue to invest in our deep international expertise to support the needs of our US client base."
Omar Al-Nuaimi, International CEO at Osborne Clarke, commented: "We continue to invest in our deep international expertise to support the needs of our US client base. Opening in Miami presents a very exciting opportunity for the firm given it’s a fast-growing hub for international arbitration and tech law, and we're pleased to bring in Javier to lead the team."
Javier’s arrival will further support Osborne Clarke's successful presence in US where it was the first UK headquartered law firm to open offices to support US businesses operating and expanding internationally. Miami is an exciting and natural business hub at the centre of the triangle between USA, Latin America and Europe. Javier is a Foreign Legal Consultant at the Florida Bar with wide connections and a significant knowledge of the market.
Osborne Clarke's US Managing Partner Steve Wilson commented: “We recognise the importance of Miami as an international arbitration, tech and financial hub and we are delighted that Javier has agreed to join us. He has deep roots in Florida, LATAM and Spain and is the perfect fit to continue our growth within the US."
Javier launched Samaniego Law seven years ago with offices in Madrid and Miami. Since its inception, the firm has been praised by the Financial Times as one of the most innovative legal business models. Javier is a well-known litigator, arbitrator and mediator, and is an appointee of the Kingdom of Spain as Conciliator at the Panel of Arbitrators and Conciliators of ICSID - International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes of the World Bank. He is also recognised as a “star individual” for technology, cyber and data protection law in Chambers rankings.
Jordi Casas, Co-managing partner of Osborne Clarke in Spain, commented: "Our links with the US and Latin America are an important part of what makes our Spanish offering so special, and central to growing our business. It's great to announce that those links are about to get even stronger with our new office in Miami."
"Miami is the financial capital of LATAM and gateway of LATAM investments in Europe"
Javier Fernández-Samaniego explains: “I feel very honoured to lead the opening of Osborne Clarke in Miami and contribute to the development of its international arbitration services and its technology, media and communication sector group. It is also very rewarding that a firm with Osborne Clarke's reputation recognises our know-how and shares our vision in the future of legal services.
“Miami is the financial capital of LATAM and gateway of LATAM investments in Europe, particularly to my birthplace Madrid. Considering the excellent international footprint and structure of Osborne Clarke, its pragmatic, approachable and client-centred business culture, and its extraordinary professionals, I believe that together we can deliver a lot of value for clients across the globe. I am excited about the opportunity to work with such a special team.”
Javier is joined by Maria Meshcherskaya who has been working with him since 2008 and is a key professional in the innovative delivery of Samaniego Law. She has long-standing experience in international corporate development and will be a valuable asset to Osborne Clarke's international team.
The office opening in Miami follows on from the news at the start of the year that Ray Berg, Osborne Clarke's former UK Managing Partner, moved to a business development role in San Francisco.
Since opening in the US in 2000, Osborne Clarke's offices in San Francisco and New York have supported hundreds of fast-growth companies establish, grow and manage their operations in overseas markets. Working with the most exciting start-ups and many of the world’s leading companies, the in-time zone team delivers experienced support and relationship management services for the full-service overseas legal needs of US clients including M&A, Dispute Resolution, Investments, Employment, Compliance or other Regulatory/Commercial Advice.