Fieldfisher is to part company with its Italian arm, Fieldfisher Italy, which will exit the London-based firm’s verein in March 2024.
 
The move will end a relationship formed in 2016 with Studio Associato Servizi Professionali Integrati (SasPi), when it joined the Swiss verein FieldFisher Global.
 
Fieldfisher put the decision down to its European growth strategy and its plan “to establish a solid, long-term position in Italy, which is an important market for the firm”.
 
Earlier this year, the firm opened an office in Vienna with four partners hired from local firms and a similar move can be expected in Italy. 
 
The bulk of Fieldfisher’s operations sit under the umbrella of the London LLP. The departure of SasPi from the verein will leave FieldFisher Global with just three member firms aside from Fieldfisher, in the Netherlands, Spain and China. 
 
Managing partner Robert Shooter said the decision had been “carefully considered”, adding: “The reality is that our businesses have evolved considerably since 2016, and our strategic objectives are no longer as closely aligned. I would like to thank our Italian colleagues for their association with us over the past seven years.”
 
Fieldfisher said it and SasPi would ensure a “smooth transition for all mutual operations” while clients involved with ongoing matters would receive a “seamless service”. The two sides would also “continue to collaborate on matters and client opportunities, whenever possible”.
 
Fieldfisher characterises itself as a European law firm and has 26 offices in 12 countries. In June, it reported an 11% hike in revenue to £370m, against an 11% fall in profit per equity partner (PEP) to £930k.
 
Fieldfisher Italy has offices in Milan, Rome, Bologna, Turin and Venice and offers tax advice and risk compliance services alongside its legal arm. Its website lists 105 professionals.