Partners at magic circle firm Allen & Overy and US practice Shearman & Sterling today overwhelingly voted through a merger to create what they are describing as the first fully integrated global legal business.

A&O Shearman will boast 3,950 lawyers and 800 partners across 48 offices worldwide, with combined annual revenues of around $3.5bn (£2.9bn).

The deal was voted for by 99% of partners and the merger will be completed in or before May 2024.

Wim Dejonghe, senior partner at Allen & Overy, said: ‘This is a historic moment for both firms and our profession. We are delighted that our partners have voted so resoundingly in favor of this merger, which is a transformational step for the legal industry.

‘We have long admired Shearman & Sterling for its outstanding reputation, talent, and client base, and we are confident that together we will create a truly exceptional global firm that will serve our clients’ needs in an increasingly complex and dynamic world.’

Adam Hakki, senior partner at Shearman & Sterling, added: ‘Our partners have recognised and welcomed this unparalleled opportunity to combine our individual market leadership and brands to serve clients as an integrated global law firm, preeminent in all our markets.

‘A&O Shearman will be a firm unlike any other in the world, built to achieve exceptional outcomes for our clients through an intentional focus on quality, excellence, and collaboration. We are creating a new industry leader, with truly global capabilities, and we are excited for what is to come.’

Allen & Overy began in the City of London in 1930, while Shearman & Sterling can trace its roots to around 50 years earlier when it was founded in New York.

 

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