UK firms pledge help on offices

City firm Clifford Chance has stepped in to provide refuge for banker clients whose offices in the World Trade Centre were destroyed by last week's attacks, it was revealed this week.The firm has made way for 150 personnel in its Park Avenue offices in upper Manhattan, and has also set up a global communication group to advise clients on the impact of the tragedy on contracts in the pipeline.Meanwhile, UK law firms were left breathing a sigh of relief that staff in their New York and Washington offices escaped the terrorist attacks on the US, but threw their weight behind both fellow firms and clients.Ten English firms have offices in the cities affected by the tragedy, though most were far enough away from the attacks not to be damaged.Among the firms helping others who had lost their offices was Linklaters.

A spokesman said the firm had invited US firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton to share its office until it gets back on its feet.A spokesman for Lovells said solicitors in its New York office are also looking to offer space for firms that might need it.

The firm is also liaising with one of its clients, Standard Chartered Bank, which had offices in the WTC.

'I think that everyone out there is doing whatever they can, which seems sensible and a good idea,' he added.Firms will also help clients affected by the ordeal.

Clifford Chance chairman Keith Clark, in branding the situation a 'disaster' for law firms and businesses alike, said: 'A group of partners worldwide is co-ordinating our response and we are encouraging our lawyers to do whatever they can to assist.'Paula Rohan