Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft have announced their intention to merge, aiming to create a combined entity with over 3,100 lawyers and annual revenues exceeding $3.6 billion. This merger, pending partner votes scheduled for spring 2026, is set to be finalized by July 1, 2026, forming the world’s fifth-largest law firm by revenue. ([hoganlovells.com](https://www.hoganlovells.com/en/news/hogan-lovells-and-cadwalader-announce-intent-to-combine-creating-a-firm-with-unprecedented-strength-in-key-g20-markets?utm_source=openai))
The proposed firm, to be named Hogan Lovells Cadwalader, will integrate Hogan Lovells’ extensive international business and finance clientele with Cadwalader’s deep-rooted expertise in Wall Street legal services. This strategic alignment is designed to enhance service offerings across key financial markets, particularly along the New York–London corridor. ([cadwalader.com](https://www.cadwalader.com/news/news-release/hogan-lovells-and-cadwalader-announce-intent-to-combine-creating-a-firm-with-unprecedented-strength-in-key-g20-markets?utm_source=openai))
Hogan Lovells’ CEO, Miguel A. Zaldivar, Jr., emphasized the merger’s potential to meet client demands for comprehensive legal services across multiple jurisdictions. He noted that combining Cadwalader’s top-tier finance capabilities with Hogan Lovells’ global platform will enable the firm to advise clients on complex mandates worldwide. ([hoganlovells.com](https://www.hoganlovells.com/en/news/hogan-lovells-and-cadwalader-announce-intent-to-combine-creating-a-firm-with-unprecedented-strength-in-key-g20-markets?utm_source=openai))
Cadwalader’s Co-Managing Partner, Wes Misson, highlighted the merger’s role in fulfilling the firms’ shared ambition to establish a robust transatlantic platform anchored in major financial centers. He stated that this combination will enhance their ability to provide best-in-class service at scale. ([cadwalader.com](https://www.cadwalader.com/news/news-release/hogan-lovells-and-cadwalader-announce-intent-to-combine-creating-a-firm-with-unprecedented-strength-in-key-g20-markets?utm_source=openai))
Upon completion, Hogan Lovells Cadwalader will operate through five primary hubs: Washington, D.C., New York, London, Germany, and a region encompassing France, Italy, and Spain. This structure aims to serve clients in complex matters across a balanced global platform, with particular strength in the London–New York–Charlotte financial corridor. ([hoganlovells.com](https://www.hoganlovells.com/en/news/hogan-lovells-and-cadwalader-announce-intent-to-combine-creating-a-firm-with-unprecedented-strength-in-key-g20-markets?utm_source=openai))
In New York, the combined firm will rank among the top 25 law firms, with more than 370 lawyers. Cadwalader, founded in 1792 and recognized as Wall Street’s oldest law firm, has played a defining role in the evolution of structured finance and securitization, fund finance, real estate finance, derivatives, and other sophisticated structured products. ([cadwalader.com](https://www.cadwalader.com/news/news-release/hogan-lovells-and-cadwalader-announce-intent-to-combine-creating-a-firm-with-unprecedented-strength-in-key-g20-markets?utm_source=openai))
Hogan Lovells has expanded rapidly in New York, adding strength in M&A, real estate, sports transactions, and commercial litigation, among other areas. Cadwalader’s premier real estate finance practice will significantly complement Hogan Lovells’ investment two years ago in the acquisition of the highly respected U.S. real estate practice from legacy New York firm Stroock & Stroock & Lavan. ([hoganlovells.com](https://www.hoganlovells.com/en/news/hogan-lovells-and-cadwalader-announce-intent-to-combine-creating-a-firm-with-unprecedented-strength-in-key-g20-markets?utm_source=openai))
In London, the combined firm will be among the top 10, with nearly 600 lawyers, offering unique scale and depth to serve clients across the New York–London transactional corridor. Hogan Lovells was formed from one of London’s oldest law firms, founded 125 years ago, and long known for its premier finance and litigation practices. Cadwalader’s market-leading fund finance, structured finance, and leveraged finance and private credit platforms strengthen the transatlantic link to New York, creating a preeminent capability in complex finance and transactions. ([cadwalader.com](https://www.cadwalader.com/news/news-release/hogan-lovells-and-cadwalader-announce-intent-to-combine-creating-a-firm-with-unprecedented-strength-in-key-g20-markets?utm_source=openai))
This merger reflects a broader trend of consolidation within the legal industry, as firms seek to expand their global reach and service offerings. Recent examples include the mergers of Winston & Strawn with Taylor Wessing and Ashurst with Perkins Coie, indicating a strategic shift towards creating more comprehensive legal platforms to meet the evolving needs of clients. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/law-firms-winston-strawn-taylor-wessing-merge-latest-transatlantic-deal-2025-12-15/?utm_source=openai))