UK-based law firm Clyde & Co has opened its Sydney and Perth offices ahead of schedule, marking the global insurance specialist’s first foray into the Australian market.

The firm had planned to open the offices on October 1, following the recruitment of insurance specialists from local lawyer Allens.

Australian Managing Partner John Edmond, formerly group leader of Allens’ insurance and reinsurance practice in Sydney, says Allens agreed to let the staff set up the new offices early.

“They have been very good about it,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

Mr Edmond is joined in Sydney by former Allens colleagues including partners Dean Carrigan and Jenni Priestley and consultant Oscar Shub, while partner Jenny Thornton will lead the Perth office.

Mr Edmond says another nine lawyers will join the Sydney operation by the end of next month. In six months the office may have about 20 lawyers focused on insurance and reinsurance business.

He says the Australian operation is “actively looking at a few other sectors”, with plans to expand into general dispute and resolution business, marine and transport, construction and infrastructure and resources and commodities.

He has also raised the possibility of additional offices in Australia, telling insuranceNEWS.com.au the potential in Brisbane and Melbourne is “not lost on us”.