Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft have officially approved their combination in what they claim is the largest law firm merger in history.
The combined entity – Hogan Lovells Cadwalader – will go live on 1 July. The merger will create the world’s fifth largest law firm by revenue with turnover of $3.6bn, based on the two firm’s 2024 performance, with around 3,100 lawyers spread across offices in the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific.
The proposed merger was first announced in December.
Miguel Zaldivar, who is currently Hogan Lovells’ CEO and will serve in the same role for the combined entity, said: “We are creating a firm like no other, with the expertise to advise clients on their most complex work across the G20.
“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.”
The new firm promises to create a “scaled global finance platform” with strong regulatory and disputes capabilities, combining Hogan Lovells’ corporate and M&A, regulatory, IP and litigation heft with Cadwalader’s finance, structured products and capital markets expertise.
Cadwalader co-managing partner Patrick Quinn, who is set to become global managing partner for client and practice integration of the new firm, said: “Our combined strength will enhance our ability to invest in top talent in a fiercely competitive legal market, as well as in AI and other technology at a vital time for these investments.
“Our shared heritage of ambition, innovation and commitment to our clients’ success provides us with a strong foundation to integrate our firms, and to continue building a legal platform that anticipates client needs.”
Quinn’s co-managing partner, Wesley Misson, will become global managing partner for the combined firm’s finance practice. Four Cadwalader partners will serve on the new firm’s 21-member international management committee, and two will also join a 13-seat board – fund finance partner Angela Batterson and Holly Chamberlain, who will also become co-practice area leader of the combined firm’s real estate practice. Hogan Lovells’ leadership will remain in place, the firms said in a statement.
The combination is the latest transatlantic law firm merger, following Allen & Overy’s $3.5bn tie-up with New York’s Shearman & Sterling in 2024, Herbert Smith Freehills’ tie-up with Kramer Levin last June and the upcoming mergers between Winston & Strawn and Taylor Wessing, and Ashurst and Perkins Coie.
The deal between Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader followed the latter seeing a number of senior departures in 2025, including a 37-lawyer CLO and asset-backed lending team that left for Orrick in October.
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