White & Case Aiming for Top Legal Rankings
October 28, 2008, Money Express

Many people were surprised when White & Case, one of the latest entrants into the Romanian legal market, announced its intention to become one of the country’s top three law firms employing up to 200 lawyers within the next five years.

"All our other offices in Central and Eastern Europe are ranked as being amongst the top three in their markets and we have the same ambition for our team here in Romania, even though we have only recently opened our office," commented Jan Matejcek, executive partner of White & Case’s office in Prague, at a sustainable energy conference organized by the firm in Bucharest. When asked if the Romanian market could support firms with between 250 and 300 lawyers, Matejcek said: "If we find 100 good lawyers, we’ll hire all of them and are confident that the business will grow with them."

"Our large international clients follow us into markets and continue to do business with us wherever we are located in the world," commented Todd Shollenbarger, managing partner of White & Case’s Bucharest office.  "We have also attracted many local clients. Our strategy here in Romania is the same as the one the Firm has followed elsewhere. I don’t see why it won’t work here in the same way."

The international firm’s entry into Romania comes at a time when the market is clearly dominated by local firms. At the same time, 2008 has not proved itself to be one of the best years for lawyers and firms alike. However, Shollenbarger does not see this to be a problem.

"In difficult times like these, people rush to experienced and reputable firms. We believe this is the right time for us," he said.