Spencer West celebrates official launch of US practice

On 18 March 2026, Spencer West marked a defining moment in its growth story – the official launch of its US practice, celebrated at One World Trade Centre in New York City with Partners, clients, and friends of the firm from across the globe.

The day brought together more than 40 Spencer West colleagues who had travelled from the firm’s international offices, alongside the firm’s 18 US partners – representing practice areas and jurisdictions from coast to coast, marking the formal launch following Spencer West’s entry into the US market in 2025.

Spencer West was founded with a clear ambition: to build a global community of exceptional lawyers united by shared values, delivering seamless cross-border service for clients. Today, the firm spans more than 360 partners across 25 jurisdictions – and the opening of offices in New York and San Francisco represents one of the most significant chapters in that journey.

“It is fitting that we gather here in New York. The energy and ambition of this city reflect the spirit in which we have built our firm.”

Simeon Spencer, Co-Founder and Senior Partner

A strategic milestone, and a natural next step

Speaking at the celebration, co-founder and Senior Partner Simeon Spencer described the US as a market the firm has had in its sights since its very beginning. The bicoastal presence – with offices in New York and San Francisco – opens the firm to two of the world’s most active business and technology hubs, and responds to clear demand from clients seeking genuinely integrated international legal support.

The US partners joining Spencer West bring deep sector expertise across areas including technology, aviation, private wealth, funds, and international tax – and from day one, they are fully integrated into the firm’s global community, collaborating across jurisdictions and contributing to international strategy.

US Managing Partner Marc Halsema, who has led the firm’s US build-out since its entry into the market in early 2025, was recognised for his leadership and market knowledge in bringing the practice to this point. The US partner base now spans Minnesota, Texas, Washington DC, California, New York, Florida, and beyond – reflecting the breadth of the firm’s ambition for the practice.

A day built around collaboration

Before the evening celebration, the day began with our Connected event – an internal partner gathering – bringing together US and international colleagues to explore the cross-border opportunities that the US launch creates. Sessions covered the firm’s global strategy, US growth priorities, and how partners across jurisdictions can identify and develop work together.

The evening programme opened with a panel discussion – hosted jointly with Gravita and Global Tech Advocates – exploring the realities of transatlantic expansion for early stage technology companies. Specialists from Spencer West and Gravita offered practical insight across immigration, employment, tax, and global structuring. The conversation reflected the kind of integrated, multi-disciplinary advice that Spencer West is built to deliver.

The launch celebration that followed brought together clients, connections, and friends of the firm – for a toast to the next chapter of the firm’s journey in the United States.

Looking ahead

The US launch follows the firm’s recent opening in Dubai – another market where Spencer West’s model has found strong appetite. Together, these milestones reflect the firm’s continued progress, and furthering its international connectedness.