Major Transatlantic Legal Merger Creates $2.7bn Powerhouse
In a significant move for the global legal industry, the UK's Ashurst has officially agreed to merge with the US-based firm Perkins Coie. The deal, confirmed on Monday 17 November 2025, will create a combined entity known as Ashurst Perkins Coie, with a formidable revenue of $2.7bn.
The announcement follows a week of intense speculation regarding Ashurst's merger talks and marks the latest in a series of large-scale transatlantic tie-ups that are reshaping the legal landscape.
A Strategic Move in a Consolidating Market
This merger is part of an intensifying trend of transatlantic consolidation within the legal sector over the past year. The landmark creation of A&O Shearman set the stage, followed by the union of Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin. These mergers are forging multi-billion-dollar law firms with the explicit aim of competing for a place in the 'Global Elite', a tier currently dominated by firms like Kirkland & Ellis, which generated nearly $9bn in 2024.
Bill Malley, the Managing Partner of Perkins Coie, emphasised the strategic rationale, stating, "Today, our clients face challenges and opportunities that are not only global but also increasingly complex. To meet this moment, we must strengthen our ability to deliver trusted legal guidance seamlessly across borders."
Echoing this sentiment, Paul Jenkins, Chief Executive of Ashurst, added, "Our ambition for many years has been to grow in the U.S. with the right partner: a firm with deep, trusted expertise that complements our own."
The New Legal Giant: Scale and Scope
The newly formed Ashurst Perkins Coie will be a legal behemoth with a substantial global footprint. It will boast:
- Over 3,000 lawyers across its network.
- A presence in 23 countries worldwide.
- Flagship hubs in key international cities: Seattle, London, Sydney, and New York.
This structure, focusing on major hubs rather than a single headquarters, is designed to offer clients integrated, cross-border services.
Political Context and Market Developments
The merger arrives amidst a dynamic and sometimes contentious political environment for large law firms. Perkins Coie found itself at the centre of Donald Trump's attack on Big Law after being targeted by an executive order. The firm, which represented Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign, notably did not acquiesce to the pressure. Instead, it mounted a successful legal challenge against the order, though the Department of Justice has stated it will appeal.
This landmark deal also follows recent news that US firm McDermott Will & Schulte is exploring a complex restructuring to allow private equity investment, signalling a period of profound and rapid change within the legal market.
