This is one of Peru’s key law firms for mining, energy and environmental law, and is celebrating five years as part of CMS in 2022. Since the tie-up, CMS Grau has adopted a global growth strategy, which has led to expansion in headcount and practice area coverage. A diversified service offering, which was already well developed before the combination, has helped ensure significant revenue growth over the past few years.
The partnership believes the secret to its continued success lies in a decidedly global approach. A sizeable marketing budget allows lawyers to promote the brand locally and at a regional level through events, newspaper columns and advertising. Creating lucrative cross-border collaboration and a single brand across CMS’ offices in Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico is the objective, while drawing clients from Europe is another goal that is constantly being nurtured. Regular partner-level meetings and associate exchange programmes serve to connect offices and create a shared culture.
The benefit of being part of a global platform extends further than that. The Lima office gets access to everything the organisation offers, including advanced IT systems and necessary cybersecurity software – all of which have been crucial since the start of the global health emergency, with many lawyers working remotely. The office went fully digital a few years ago and CMS’ considerable technology resources mean the firm can offer webinars, interact efficiently internally and externally with clients through the latest communication tools, and draw on global client directories and expertise that are less readily available for independent firms.
CMS Grau has fostered an inclusive workplace environment where nearly 35 per cent of its partnership is female – well above the country average. A variety of policies and initiatives have helped establish a more diverse talent base, including women-led workshops and diversity programmes. Three new partners were appointed in late 2021, two in the real estate group and one in restructuring. The firm’s compliance head was promoted to partner at the start of that year.
While mining undoubtedly remains the jewel in its crown, CMS Grau has done an outstanding job developing other practice areas. Since the tie-up with CMS, the Peruvian firm opened various practices that are areas of strength for the global platform, including TMT, life sciences, insurance and compliance, as well as a stand-alone tourism department.
According to in-house counsel research conducted by the Latin American Corporate Counsel Association, which is affiliated to Latin Lawyer, CMS Grau represents 15 of the 100 biggest companies in Latin America. This makes it one of the five most popular Peruvian firms among these clients.
Offices
CMS has a growing network in Latin America that includes a presence in Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Brazil, where it has a foreign law consultancy. CMS also has offices across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.