Graf von Westphalen has revealed that it is seeking to expand its German presence with a launch in Düsseldorf following the spin off of the firm's Cologne and Freiburg practices.

Co-managing partner Robert Theissen confirmed that the firm faced a "gap" in its national coverage in the Rhine area. "I'm pretty sure we'll be in Düsseldorf in the next four to six months," he said. "We've been looking for a corporate team in the city for years, but it was difficult to open in Düsseldorf because we had a base in Cologne. After losing Cologne, the door for Düsseldorf is open again."

Hamburg-based Mr Theissen also revealed that Graf is undergoing an internal restructuring and drawing up a new constitution. He further stated that his practice would retain its historic brand despite the exit of founder and name partner Friedrich Graf von Westphalen. "Graf von Westphalen transferred the name to the firm as part of the merger in 2002. The name is ours and we've kept it," said Mr Theissen.

Graf lost its Cologne and Freiburg office in July, when 50 lawyers, a third of its total headcount, including 25 partners, left due to strategic disagreements.

TopLegal International will be publishing an in-depth feature on Graf in its forthcoming October issue.