McDermott Will & Emery looks set to blaze a trail for the other large international firms by opening in La Havana under an agreement with local Spanish firm Olleros Abogados

HAVANA, Aug. 5  The 1,100-lawyer, Chicago-based international practice expects to be working on inbound and outbound work from the island and sees Cuba as ‘a major opportunity in both respects’, according to partner David Goldman. Olleros previously had a relationship with Dewey & LeBoeuf.

Increased focus
McDermott joins a growing number of lawyers focusing on Cuba. A 37-strong delegation from the 100,000 member Florida Bar went to Cuba recently to explore emerging business opportunities, from telecommunications to banking.

The group spent three days in Cuba meeting with government officials and counterparts from the Cuban bar. Other law firms that are also looking at Cuban business opportunities include Canadian firm Gowling Lafleur Henderson.

In terms of sectors, the 22-office firm expects to focus in particular on instrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, leisure and food and beverages.

http://www.globallegalpost.com/global-view/mcdermott-set-to-open-in-cuba-through-accord-with-local-firm-99352994/