Taylor Wessing announces new co-head in Silicon Valley and plans continued expansion

As it celebrates its four year anniversary in the US, International law firm Taylor Wessing plans continued expansion in Silicon Valley with the appointment of Chris Jeffery as co-head of its US office. He will lead the office jointly with partner, Alex Roth, who recently relocated to the firm's Menlo Park office from Hamburg.

Chris joined Taylor Wessing in 2000 and is a partner who specialises in advising online businesses on their operations, and technology companies on complex data protection governance and compliance considerations.

Alex specialises in complex cross-border transactions including private M&A, distressed M&A, private equity, joint venture and venture capital. He advises North American growth companies in the technology sector on their international expansion and on investments in Europe and Asia.

Chris’ appointment to co-head the office is as result of Mark Barron's return to the Corporate Technology team in the UK, following completion of his term in the US office. Mark will continue to lead US business development from London for the growing number of clients in the US looking to expand into Europe.

Commenting on the appointment, Managing Partner, Tim Eyles, said: "We've achieved real success in the US since opening four years ago and are now firmly part of the fabric in Silicon Valley. Mark Barron pioneered having a European presence on the ground there, which gives our US clients the benefit of a round-the-clock personal service. We have achieved four years of growth in work for US clients and we certainly see this curve continuing.

"We have six people in our Menlo Park office now and they are joined regularly by visitors from our offices around the world, reflecting the demand for a wide range of international advice. Chris' expertise will help established technology companies, new start-ups and the next generation of emerging investment companies to grow, while avoiding the increasing challenges and risks in today's environment for online businesses."