London firm Herbert Smith has no plans to join the string of international law firms that have opened offices in Australia. According to Gareth Roberts (pictured), corporate partner and deputy head of the firm's corporate division, the Australian legal market is too mature to allow the entry of yet another international firm.

"Australia has a good number of high-quality firms, so there is no point, really, for us to open an office," said Roberts.

Australia has relatively recently seen the arrival of a number of US and UK firms, such as Jones Day, Kennedys and Holman Fenwick & Willan, but Herbert Smith's strategy for Australia is to stick with its network of 'best friends', which includes Freehills and Corrs Chambers Westgarth.

Roberts and Greg Mulley, corporate partner in the London office, are in Australia on a recruitment campaign. "We look for people in areas such as finance, corporate and construction - the areas that are tight for us are the same for all the major firms," said Roberts. The firm's need for lawyers is highest in London, with Moscow and Asia also suffering a shortage. Herbert Smith announced on 5 March the addition of a new office in Dubai. The office is headed by Neil Brimson and includes partners Zubair Mir and Nadim Khan, both from Norton Rose.