In a landmark move that will reshape the global legal landscape, City law firm Ashurst has announced plans to merge with prominent US firm Perkins Coie. The strategic combination marks one of the most significant transatlantic legal mergers in recent years.
The Details of the Landmark Legal Merger
The merger will create a formidable legal entity comprising approximately 1700 lawyers operating across 30 offices worldwide. Both firms confirmed the news on Tuesday, revealing that the combination is scheduled to take effect from October 1, 2024, pending successful partnership votes at both organisations.
This strategic move represents Ashurst's most ambitious expansion into the United States market to date. The London-headquartered firm, which traces its origins back to 1822, has been actively seeking to strengthen its transatlantic capabilities in recent years.
Perkins Coie brings substantial US presence to the table with over 1200 lawyers across 20 offices throughout the United States and Asia. The Seattle-founded firm, established in 1912, has developed particularly strong practices in technology, privacy and intellectual property law.
Strategic Rationale Behind the Combination
The merger addresses a critical gap in Ashurst's global network - its previously limited footprint in the world's largest legal market. Ashurst currently maintains just two US offices in New York and Washington DC, employing fewer than 50 lawyers stateside prior to the merger.
Paul Jenkins, Global Managing Partner at Ashurst, emphasised the strategic importance of the move: "This combination represents a transformative moment for our firm. It significantly enhances our ability to serve clients across key global markets, particularly in the technology and energy sectors where both firms have established strengths."
Bill Malley, Perkins Coie's Managing Partner, echoed this sentiment: "Joining forces with Ashurst creates immediate benefits for our clients through expanded international capabilities. Their strong presence in Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East complements our US-focused practice perfectly."
Future Structure and Leadership
The combined entity will operate under the Ashurst name globally, though the US practice will maintain the Perkins Coie brand for a transitional period. Leadership positions will be shared between both firms, with Paul Jenkins continuing as Global Managing Partner while Bill Malley will assume the role of US Managing Partner.
The merger follows several years of strategic discussions between the firms, with talks intensifying throughout 2023. Both organisations cite increasing client demand for integrated transatlantic legal services as a primary driver behind the combination.
Financial terms of the merger remain confidential, though industry analysts suggest the deal could create one of the world's top 30 law firms by revenue. The combination is expected to generate significant cross-selling opportunities, particularly in sectors including technology, energy, infrastructure and financial services.
This merger represents the latest in a series of transatlantic legal combinations as law firms seek to build global platforms capable of serving multinational clients. For Ashurst, the move significantly accelerates its US growth strategy and positions the firm more competitively against magic circle rivals that have strengthened their American presence in recent years.
