According to a report today in The Lawyer newspaper, 26-lawyer firm Frieh Bouhenic is in advanced discussions with DLA, which claims to be the largest law firm in the world by number of qualified practitioners.

Corporate boost

Frieh was only established in January last year by ex-Linklaters rainmaker Michel Frieh and former Weil Gothsal & Manges heavyweight Pierre-Alain Bouhenic.
The merger -- mooted for completion next month -- would represent a significant jump for DLA’s corporate capabilities in Paris as, according to commentators, despite having a large office in France, it lacks star names.
A spokesperson for DLA said: ‘We’re exploring a specific opportunity with a Paris-based law firm to improve our capability in what is a key market for our clients.’ Frieh was unavailable for comment.