According to a statement from the firm, the new office comes as Bird & Bird looks to foster closer relationships between its international network and US-based clients, providing them with non-US legal advice in the same time zone.

It will also focus on building the firm’s presence in the region and providing an ideal platform for working together with US partner firms, the statement explained.

As part of the expansion, Bird & Bird partner and co-head of the International Corporate Group Stefano Silvestri, has relocated to San Fran from Milan to head up the new office. Mr Silvestri is joined by IP partner Nick Aries, who has relocated from London.

Together, Mr Silvestri and Mr Aries are joined by new tech and comms partner Kai Westerwelle, as well as an unnamed senior associate from the firm’s Asia-Pacific offices in the coming months.

Further, senior partners Roger Bickerstaff and Ian Hunter will split their time between their London base and the new San Francisco office over the next few years to support the development of the office.

“The opening of our San Francisco office continues an exciting year of growth for Bird & Bird, following our cooperation agreement with top domestic Chinese firm, AllBright, and revenues increasing by 11 per cent 4th September, 201,” said Bird & Bird CEO David Kerr.

“Our firm vision, to be the number one law firm in the world for organisations being changed by technology or the digital world, is consistent with us having a presence in one of the most innovative, technology and IP-rich cities in the world.

“US companies’ business models face significant disruption from international regulation as they expand to or trade with Europe or the Asia-Pacific region, so our on the ground presence now allows us to be closer to our clients as they navigate these changes.

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“Technology will naturally play a big part in our San Francisco offering with our relationship and matter management tools aiding our client service delivery.”