Fuzi's appointment comes as Allen & Overy's Sydney and Perth branches prepare to commence business, with first-round interviews for solicitor positions commencing next week.

Fuzi has already taken up his position in the firm's Sydney office, meeting clients and making preparations for the imminent arrival of the 14 other ex-Clayton Utz partners who will form the founding partnership of the firm.

Fuzi appears to be savouring his new role as managing partner and has declared he will lead the team of partners, which, according to Fuzi, has a very strong and amicable working relationship, with a soft approach.

For the short term, Fuzi will concentrate on building up the practice by recruiting solicitors to support the partners.

Thomas Brown, managing partner of the firm's Asian arm, has indicated there has been a very high volume of job applications from hopefuls wanting to get on board with the global firm.

For more on Allen & Overy's move to Australia, visit http://www.lawyersweekly.com.au/blogs/slide_show/archive/2010/02/09/allen-amp-overy-s-australian-arrival.aspx