Canadian law firm Gowlings is to merge with UK law firm Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co, creating a global firm to be launched next January and making it one of the world's top 100 firms. The new firm, Gowling WLG, boasts over 1,400 legal professionals across Canada, Europe, Asia and the Middle East and will put the firm in the top five specialising in intellectual property. Gowlings Chief Executive Scott Jolliffe told the Wall Street Journal that the link-up was prompted in part by increased client demand for globalisation. However, it will not have a presence in the US due to relationships with US law firms.

IP capability

Gowling WLG will provide clients with  expertise and multi-jurisdictional support in key global sectors, including life sciences, manufacturing, power generation and distribution, projects and infrastructure, real estate, resources (mining, oil & gas), and technology and communications. It will also be home to one of the world's premier intellectual property practices, and a full suite of business law and litigation services. 'This is an exciting and historic step forward for our two firms that will enable us to better serve our clients in Canada, the UK and around the world,' said Scott Jolliffe, chair and chief executive officer of Gowlings. 'Gowling WLG will provide clients with a broader service offering, a deeper pool of legal expertise and greater multi-jurisdictional support — all while delivering the same personal, responsive service and value that both its founding firms are known for.'