In a significant development within the legal industry, New York-based law firms Simpson Thacher & Bartlett and Davis Polk & Wardwell are advising on the proposed merger between Ashurst and Perkins Coie. This combination aims to create a global law firm with approximately 3,000 lawyers and projected revenues of $2.7 billion, positioning it among the top 20 law firms worldwide. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/legal/legalindustry/law-firms-ashurst-perkins-coie-agree-merger-create-global-top-20-outfit-2025-11-17/?utm_source=openai))
Davis Polk is representing Ashurst in this transaction. The combined entity, to be named Ashurst Perkins Coie, will have a presence in 52 offices across 23 countries, with major hubs in Seattle, London, Sydney, and New York. ([davispolk.com](https://www.davispolk.com/experience/ashurst-27-billion-merger-perkins-coie?utm_source=openai))
Simpson Thacher’s involvement in this merger underscores its growing role in advising on major law firm combinations. The firm has been recognized for its mergers and acquisitions practice, including being named a 2024 Mergers & Acquisitions “Practice Group of the Year” by Law360. ([stblaw.com](https://www.stblaw.com/about-us/news/view/2025/01/23/i-law360-i-profiles-simpson-thacher-as-a-2024-mergers-acquisitions-practice-group-of-the-year?utm_source=openai))
The merger between Ashurst and Perkins Coie reflects a broader trend of transatlantic law firm consolidations, following similar moves such as the tie-ups between Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin, and Allen & Overy with Shearman & Sterling. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/legal/legalindustry/law-firms-ashurst-perkins-coie-agree-merger-create-global-top-20-outfit-2025-11-17/?utm_source=openai))
The proposed merger is subject to approval by a vote of partners at each firm and, if approved, is expected to be completed in late 2026. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/legal/legalindustry/law-firms-ashurst-perkins-coie-agree-merger-create-global-top-20-outfit-2025-11-17/?utm_source=openai))