In a landmark development shaking up the global legal landscape, London-headquartered law firm Ashurst and Seattle-based Perkins Coie have announced their intention to merge, creating a legal powerhouse poised to rank among the world’s top 20 firms. The combined firm, to be known as Ashurst Perkins Coie, will encompass approximately 3,000 lawyers operating across 52 offices in 23 countries, with an estimated annual revenue of $2.7 billion.
This merger is expected to be finalized by late 2026, subject to partner approvals from both firms. It reflects a strategic alignment aimed at enhancing cross-border legal services for clients in rapidly evolving sectors such as technology, financial services, infrastructure, and energy.
Combining Strengths for Global Reach and Sector Expertise
Ashurst, a firm with deep roots in the UK, Australia, and Asia-Pacific, has built a reputation for advising on complex cross-border transactions, especially in energy and infrastructure. Perkins Coie, meanwhile, is a leading U.S. law firm with a strong foothold in technology, intellectual property, and litigation, particularly known for its expertise in fintech, privacy, life sciences, and environmental law.
By merging, the firms plan to leverage their complementary geographic footprints and sector strengths, enabling clients to access a seamless, integrated legal service across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Leadership and Governance: A Partnership of Equals
The new entity will be led jointly by Jenkins and Malley as global co-CEOs, signaling a balanced leadership approach. Additionally, Karen Davies (Ashurst) and Brian Eiting (Perkins Coie) will serve as co-chairs of the firm’s executive committee. This leadership structure underlines the “combination of equals” approach adopted by both firms.
The merger promises to foster a collaborative culture where innovation, diversity, and client service excellence remain top priorities. Both firms have a history of championing inclusivity and investing in new technologies, a tradition they intend to continue post-merger.
Strategic Focus on Innovation and AI
A key driver behind the merger is the accelerating pace of technological innovation and the growing demand for sophisticated legal services around emerging technologies. Perkins Coie is known for its pioneering work in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cybersecurity law, while Ashurst brings extensive experience advising on energy transition and infrastructure projects.
The combined firm aims to invest heavily in AI-powered tools and other advanced legal technologies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and provide deeper insights for clients.
Responding to Market Pressures: Scale and Agility
The legal industry has seen a surge in mergers as firms seek greater scale to compete in a globalized economy marked by increasing client expectations and complex regulatory environments. Ashurst Perkins Coie’s emergence will strengthen their ability to attract and retain top talent while offering comprehensive legal solutions spanning multiple jurisdictions.
Legal market watchers note that this merger is part of a broader wave of transatlantic consolidations, with other firms such as Herbert Smith Freehills and Allen & Overy also pursuing similar strategies.
Political and Legal Impact
Perkins Coie’s recent involvement in high-profile political litigation, including challenges to controversial executive orders, adds a unique dimension to the combined firm’s capabilities. The merger could potentially position Ashurst Perkins Coie to advise clients on sensitive regulatory and governmental matters alongside traditional corporate and litigation work.
What This Means for Clients and the Industry
For clients, the merger promises a one-stop solution for complex, multi-jurisdictional legal needs with specialists across a broad array of sectors and practice areas. From startups in Silicon Valley to multinational energy conglomerates, Ashurst Perkins Coie aims to be the trusted legal partner for the next generation of global business challenges.
For the industry, this merger underscores the necessity for law firms to innovate, grow, and adapt in an era defined by technology disruption and geopolitical uncertainty.
Next Steps and Timeline
The firms expect the merger to close by the end of 2026. Both Ashurst and Perkins Coie partners will vote on the deal in the coming months. Following approval, the firms will embark on an integration process aimed at harmonizing operations, systems, and cultures.
If you’re a law firm professional looking to navigate this changing landscape, consider exploring lawcrossing.com for career opportunities emerging from this merger and other industry shifts.
The post
Ashurst and Perkins Coie Announce Mega Merger to Form Global Top-20 Law Firm first appeared on
JDJournal Blog.
