Mini Series: Business of Law Firms - Allen & Overy to merge with Shearman & Sterling

[Jake Rickman]

This thread is for the general discussion of the Article Mini Series: Business of Law Firms - Allen & Overy to merge with Shearman & Sterling. Please add to the discussion here.

 

[Joeelijah]

Do these mergers ever have any actual significance for firms’ London offices?

In the case of A&O they’ve previously opened up in Boston so it’s clear there’sa push into the US.. huge opportunities for work with USA tech clients, IP.. but how does that affect things in the UK? I’d be interested to hear anyone’s thoughts

 

[AlexJ]

Do these mergers ever have any actual significance for firms’ London offices?

In the case of A&O they’ve previously opened up in Boston so it’s clear there’sa push into the US.. huge opportunities for work with USA tech clients, IP.. but how does that affect things in the UK? I’d be interested to hear anyone’s thoughts

I think it’s bad news for Shearman’s London office I’m afraid. They are smaller teams paid more to do the same work that A&O does. Many lawyers at Shearman have already jumped. Potentially the same applies to A&O in NY, I doubt they would add anything to the much bigger and more regarded Shearman office there. In other areas a consolidation of both firms will likely lead to the loss of some lawyers and more support staff, such is the nature of mergers. The deal has to be voted through first!

 

[Jake Rickman]

Do these mergers ever have any actual significance for firms’ London offices?

In the case of A&O they’ve previously opened up in Boston so it’s clear there’sa push into the US.. huge opportunities for work with USA tech clients, IP.. but how does that affect things in the UK? I’d be interested to hear anyone’s thoughts

It is relevant insofar as you may be expected to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the legal sector. Being able to explain the commercial drivers behind the deal signifies that you are engaged with the industry.