Conyers Dill & Pearman (CDP) has expanded its global operations with the opening of a new office in Brazil to provide offshore legal services.

The launch of Conyers Dill e Pearman (Brazil) Servicos de Consultoria Ltda. in São Paulo makes CDP the first offshore law firm to set up a physical presence in Brazil.

Two Conyers partners have moved to São Paulo, with Alan Dickson relocating from the Bermuda office to manage the new operation in Brazil and he is joined by Benjamin Dyer.

Mr. Dickson spent the last eight years practising in the corporate department in the Bermuda office, following 16 years practicing corporate and securities law in Canada, while Mr. Dyer has practised with CDP for the last eight years in the corporate departments of the Bermuda and Hong Kong offices.

By establishing a presence in Brazil, CDP hopes to open up the channel for Latin American business flowing into Bermuda.

Earlier this year, partners from CDP spoke at a conference in Brazil as part of a Bermuda International Business Association-led Bermuda delegation, as the Island continued to forge links with Brazilian companies and highlight the pivotal role it can play for companies looking to establish an offshore presence.

The São Paulo office will initially focus on general corporate, company and commercial work, with an emphasis on investment funds, public company listings, initial public offerings and holding company incorporations.

CDP's chairman John Collis said: "Brazil is a dynamic market, and establishing a physical presence here provides a distinct advantage to our São Paulo-based clients and referrers of business. It strengthens our ability provide the full range of our services to clients in their own business environment in a highly personalised manner that is conducive to local conditions."

Mr. Dickson, managing partner of the São Paulo office, said: "Our physical presence adds value to the services provided by firms in Brazil. We give them reliable access to prime offshore jurisdictions. As the first and only offshore law firm in Brazil we expect to establish ourselves swiftly to consolidate our position as the leading provider of offshore legal services in Latin America."

Conyers' move into São Paulo follows its entry into Moscow in March of this year, making it the first offshore law firm to open an office in Russia and solidifying its position as an industry leader.