International outfit Herbert Smith Freehills is set to merge with New York’s Kramer Levin on 1 June, after partners at both firms voted overwhelming in favour.
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer ‘will be the first truly transatlantic and transpacific law firm combination’, the firms said in a statement on Friday. ‘The combination will be a top 20 firm globally, with c.2,700 lawyers including c.630 partners across 26 offices, and will have over US$2 billion in revenue – underpinned by a single profit pool from day one.’
Rebecca Maslen-Stannage, chair and senior partner of Herbert Smith Freehills, said: ’This combination is a historic and long-term commitment from both firms to pursue our future together as one combined firm, and this is just the beginning. We are excited about our shared vision and will build on our strong foundations around the globe.’
Paul H. Schoeman and Howard T. Spilko, co-managing partners of Kramer Levin, said: ‘Joining forces with HSF is a unique opportunity that enables us to achieve our shared vision and potential for strategic growth in the US. This is a significant achievement for our combined firm.’
Herbert Smith Freehills was created by the 2012 merger of Herbert Smith and Australia-based Freehills. Kramer Levin, founded in 1968, has its headquarters in New York with offices in Silicon Valley, Washington DC and Paris. Both firms operate as true partnerships.
Completion of the combination is expected on 1 June.
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