Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling, two titans of the legal world, are prepared to come together to establish a new Biglaw powerhouse, A&O Shearman, pending approval of their proposed merger by the partnership of both firms (Above the Law). This merger would unite nearly 4,000 lawyers, comprised of roughly 800 partners, across 49 different offices. The amalgamated revenue of A&O Shearman is projected to reach $3.4 billion.
News of the prospective merger began circulating globally in May this year. In the ensuing months, Wim Dejonghe and Adam Hakki, senior partners at A&O and Shearman respectively, have been engaged in talks with partners across several continents. A partnership vote on the merger is now imminent.
As indicated by The American Lawyer, a two-week window for the partnership vote started today, concluding on October 13.
Partners at both firms have voiced their anticipation of a successful vote. To approve the merger, a 75% threshold must be reached. One Shearman partner revealed that “everyone” at their firm supports the deal, and a partner at Allen & Overy stated, unequivocally, that the deal “is going to happen.”
As the momentum grows and the merger vote advances, it appears as though the legal sector should brace itself for the arrival of a fresh titan. Best wishes are extended to both firms throughout this decisive period. If the merger is sanctioned next month, a new leader in the Am Law standings may be inaugurated.