In recent months, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft engaged in merger discussions with Alston & Bird, seeking to bolster its position amid significant partner departures. However, these talks did not culminate in a merger. Subsequently, Cadwalader announced a merger agreement with Hogan Lovells, forming a combined entity projected to generate over $3.6 billion in annual revenue. This development positions the merged firm among the world’s largest law firms. ([globallegalpost.com](https://www.globallegalpost.com/news/hogan-lovells-and-cadwalader-agree-to-merge-in-largest-law-firm-combination-in-history-318519870?utm_source=openai))
Alston & Bird, headquartered in Atlanta, has a longstanding history of strategic growth. The firm has expanded its national footprint through office openings in Washington, D.C., and Dallas, as well as mergers with firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Charlotte. This expansion has contributed to its substantial size, with 2024 revenues approximately double those of Cadwalader. ([news.bloomberglaw.com](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/cadwalader-hires-davis-polk-for-merger-work-alston-bird-talks?utm_source=openai))
Despite the conclusion of merger talks with Cadwalader, Alston & Bird continues to demonstrate robust performance. The firm has been recognized as one of the nation’s top law firms in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms®, receiving 30 national tier-one practice rankings and 101 metropolitan tier-one practice rankings across all U.S. offices. ([alston.com](https://www.alston.com/en/services/practices/corporate–finance/corporate–business-transactions/mergers–acquisitions?utm_source=openai))
The legal industry has witnessed a series of significant mergers recently. Notably, Allen & Overy merged with Shearman & Sterling in May 2023, and Ashurst agreed to merge with Perkins Coie. These consolidations reflect a trend toward creating larger, more diversified firms. ([globallegalpost.com](https://www.globallegalpost.com/news/hogan-lovells-and-cadwalader-agree-to-merge-in-largest-law-firm-combination-in-history-318519870?utm_source=openai))
Given Alston & Bird’s strategic growth initiatives and the dynamic nature of the legal market, the firm may remain open to future merger opportunities that align with its objectives. However, as of now, there is no public indication of imminent merger plans.