After much anticipation, the long-discussed merger between Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling law firms was approved by nearly all partners. This move, whilst expected by majority of industry insiders, has still managed to take many by surprise due to widespread belief that large transatlantic law firm mergers can be extremely challenging to execute.
What has been particularly noted in this case, was the strategic finesse with which the news of the merger was presented. This was viewed as a factor that contributed to the positive reception of the merger across the industry.
In the aftermath of the merger’s announcement, Law.com conducted interviews with various rival firms, consultants, and insiders across the city to get a better understanding of the wider industry’s perception of this development, which is considered one of the largest law firm mergers in recent times.