A&O and Shearman & Sterling merger to go ahead to create “industry leader” super law firm

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Allen & Overy LLP and Shearman & Sterling LLP will merge to create a global legal powerhouse after 99% of partners at the firms voted in favour of the deal.

In what’s been described as an “historic moment” for both the firms and the profession, it’s been revealed that the merged firm will generate around £2.9 billion in combined revenues, creating one of the world’s biggest law firms by revenue. The new firm, due to be known as A&O Shearman, will be the only firm fluent in US law, English law and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets in equal measure, according to a statement released by the firm last week.

Wim Dejonghe, senior partner at Allen & Overy, said it’s a “transformational step for the legal industry” and is confident that the merger will “create a truly exceptional global firm that will service our clients’ needs in an increasingly complex and dynamic world”.

Adam Hakki, senior partner at Shearman & Sterling LLP, has predicted that the combined firm will be “unlike any other in the world”. Hakki added: “We are creating a new industry leader, with truly global capabilities, and we are excited for what is to come.”

The new legal giant will consist of 3,950 lawyers and 800 partners, with nearly 50 offices across the globe. It’s hoped the merger will be completed by May 2024.