In a significant development for the legal industry, partners at Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) and Kramer Levin have given their approval for a merger between the two distinguished law firms. Announced on April 4, 2025, this merger aims to formally unite the firms under the name Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, or HSF Kramer in the United States, starting June 1.
This merger represents a strategic collaboration, bringing together more than $2 billion in revenue and approximately 2700 lawyers globally, of which around 630 are partners. The merger presents an opportunity to leverage an expansive geographical reach and a diverse array of legal expertise.
Rebecca Maslen-Stannage, chair and senior partner of HSF, remarked on the merger, stating that it symbolizes a historic and long-term commitment from both entities to forge a future together. This consolidation marks another move in a series of industry tie-ups, reflecting the ongoing trend toward the integration and global expansion of prominent law firms to increase their competitive edge in an evolving legal landscape.
The combined firm’s leadership is poised to capitalize on the complementary strengths of both firms to offer a comprehensive range of legal services. This merger may well set a new precedent in the realm of legal mergers, emphasizing the growing importance of international alliances in delivering client solutions across multiple jurisdictions.