Global law firm Dechert has made a major strategic move by hiring a 20-partner group from
rival firm McDermott Will and Schulte, marking one of the most significant
lateral partner acquisitions in the U.S. legal market so far this year. The move reflects Dechert’s broader growth strategy as it looks to strengthen its presence in key U.S. cities and expand leadership across high-demand practice areas.
The group is led by Mike Poulos, a senior leader at McDermott who previously served on the firm’s executive committee and as its global head of strategy. Poulos is joining Dechert as vice chair and global head of strategy, a leadership role that underscores the importance of the hire and Dechert’s commitment to long-term growth.
Expansion Into Chicago and Dallas
A central element of the deal is Dechert’s re-entry into the Chicago market and its launch of a new office in Dallas. Dechert had closed its Chicago office in 2024 following a strategic review that also led to the closure of its Beijing and Hong Kong offices. The return to Chicago signals a renewed
focus on major U.S. commercial centers and a belief that the new partner group provides a strong foundation for rebuilding in the region.
Dallas represents a new geographic addition for Dechert and aligns with the firm’s efforts to grow in Texas, a market that has seen continued expansion across corporate, litigation, energy, and private equity practices. The Dallas move also complements Dechert’s recent plans to open a Houston office, further solidifying the firm’s presence in one of the fastest-growing legal markets in the country.
Strengthening Key U.S. Markets
Beyond Chicago and Dallas, the incoming partners are based in major legal hubs including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. The multi-city nature of the team provides Dechert with immediate scale and enhances its ability to serve national and global clients across multiple jurisdictions.
Industry analysts note that large, coordinated lateral moves like this are increasingly common as firms seek to gain market share quickly and build out full-service offerings. By adding an established team with deep client relationships, Dechert is positioning itself to compete more aggressively in high-value legal work.
Leadership and Strategy Focus
Poulos’ appointment as vice chair and global head of strategy highlights Dechert’s emphasis on leadership and long-term planning. His experience in firm management and strategic development is expected to play a key role in shaping Dechert’s future direction, including office expansion, practice growth, and talent recruitment.
In statements following the move, Poulos indicated that the transition was influenced by McDermott’s recent merger with Schulte Roth and Zabel, which created the combined firm McDermott Will and Schulte. The merger reshaped the firm’s internal structure and leadership, contributing to the timing of the group’s decision to explore new opportunities.
Continued Hiring Momentum at Dechert
The McDermott partner group is part of a broader wave of high-profile lateral hiring at Dechert. Earlier this month, the firm added prominent trial lawyer Randy Mastro in New York as co-chair of its securities and complex litigation practice. Mastro is widely known for his work in high-stakes litigation and is expected to help expand Dechert’s profile in major disputes.
Dechert also recently hired trial lawyer Jim Wetwiska from Akin Gump Strauss Hauer and Feld. Wetwiska is expected to help launch Dechert’s planned Houston office, further expanding the firm’s Texas footprint and strengthening its trial and energy-related practices.
These additions signal that Dechert is actively investing in growth across litigation, corporate, and regulatory practices, with a particular focus on markets that offer long-term demand from financial institutions, private equity firms, and multinational corporations.
Big Law Lateral Market Remains Competitive
The move underscores the ongoing competitiveness of the Big Law lateral partner market. Firms continue to pursue large team hires as a way to accelerate growth, enter new markets, and strengthen leadership benches. Team moves also reduce the risks associated with individual lateral hires by bringing in established groups with shared client relationships and operational cohesion.
Other recent examples in the legal industry include Womble Bond Dickinson’s hiring of 19 lawyers from McGlinchey Stafford and Spencer Fane’s addition of 16 lawyers from the same firm, which recently voted to wind down operations. These developments reflect broader restructuring and consolidation trends across the legal sector.
Impact on McDermott Will and Schulte
McDermott Will and Schulte acknowledged the departures in a statement, noting that firm transitions often follow
major mergers and internal restructuring. While the loss of a 20-partner team is significant, McDermott remains a major global firm with a broad platform and a strong client base.
Legal industry observers say that post-merger periods frequently lead to partner movement as lawyers reassess firm culture, strategy, and leadership opportunities. The Dechert move fits within that broader pattern.
What This Means for Dechert’s Future
For Dechert, the recruitment of a 20-partner team represents a clear signal to the market that the firm is committed to expanding its U.S. presence and investing in leadership talent. The openings in Chicago and Dallas, combined with planned growth in Houston and expanded capabilities in major coastal markets, position Dechert for continued competition at the top tier of the legal industry.
As Big Law firms continue to adapt to changing client demands, economic pressures, and competitive dynamics, large-scale lateral moves like this are likely to remain a key growth strategy. Dechert’s latest hire places it among the most active firms in the current lateral market and signals continued momentum heading into the rest of the year.
Law firms across the country are aggressively expanding through lateral partner hiring and office growth in key U.S. markets. Stay ahead of major law firm hiring trends, partner moves, and leadership changes.
Visit LawCrossing to explore the latest legal job openings and career opportunities at top firms like Dechert and beyond.
