Both firms described it as “the largest law firm merger in history”
Global firms Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft are set to combine in what both firms described as “the largest law firm merger in history.”
The proposed merger has been approved by the firms’ partners. The new entity Hogan Lovells Cadwalader is set to launch on July 1 as the second-biggest law firm in Washington D.C., among the 10 largest in London, and in the 25 biggest in New York.
Hogan Lovells CEO Miguel Zaldivar has been appointed CEO of Hogan Lovells Cadwalader, while Cadwalader co-managing partner Patrick Quinn will serve as global managing partner for client and practice integration. Cadwalader co-managing partner Wesley Misson will become global managing partner for the finance practice.
Hogan Lovells leaders will retain their positions at Hogan Lovells Cadwalader. The new entity’s 21-person international management committee will have four Cadwalader partners; a 13-seat board with two Cadwalader partners will be established on the merger’s completion.
Cadwalader management committee member Angela Batterson will join the board, as will Cadwalader finance group co-chair Holly Chamberlain. Chamberlain, who led Cadwalader’s real estate finance practice, will become co-practice area leader of Hogan Lovells Cadwalader’s real estate practice.
Cadwalader’s Charlotte office managing partner Stuart Goldstein will serve as deputy regional managing partner for the Americas at the new entity in addition to acting as co-practice area leader of the structured finance and derivatives practice. Cadwalader corporate group chair William Mills will become the New York office managing partner for Hogan Lovells Cadwalader.
The new entity’s Charlotte branch will be led by Cadwalader fund finance group co-head Tim Hicks.
“We have been on the road over the past few months speaking with clients, partners, associates, and business teams—and these conversations have emphatically affirmed the strategic thinking that inspired this combination. We see strong opportunities for growth, and clients have expressed enthusiasm and excitement for the combined firm’s expanded reach and depth,” Zaldivar said in a statement.
Quinn added that the combination would enhance both firms’ ability to invest in high-level legal talent, artificial intelligence, and technology “at a vital time for investments.”
“Clients have told us they want integrated teams that collaborate across practices and offices, and provide comprehensive, business critical advice. This is particularly true for those executing complex financing and transactional work along the New York-London corridor—a major opportunity for Hogan Lovells Cadwalader,” Misson said in a statement.
