In a major development for the global legal industry, the partnerships of
Winston & Strawn LLP and Taylor Wessing’s UK-led business have formally approved a strategic transatlantic merger that will create one of the
world’s most significant international law firms. The new combined firm, to be called Winston Taylor, is expected to launch in May 2026, marking a
major milestone in cross-border legal services and strengthening the combined firm’s footprint across key markets in the United States, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.
A Transatlantic Powerhouse in Big Law
The approved merger will bring together more than 1,400 lawyers across roughly 20 offices worldwide, forming a
robust global law firm positioned to compete at the highest level across key practice areas. With an anticipated combined revenue of approximately $1.75 billion (about £1.2 billion), Winston Taylor will rank among the
top global law firms in terms of scale and cross-border capability.
Built on a foundation of long-standing excellence, Winston & Strawn contributes deep experience in litigation, corporate transactions, regulatory matters, and intellectual property. Taylor Wessing, one of the UK’s leading firms with roots dating back to the 18th century, brings recognized strength in intellectual property, technology, life sciences, and private wealth practices.
Strategic Rationale Behind the Merger
Leaders of both firms have emphasized that the combination responds directly to evolving client demands for integrated legal advice across jurisdictions. As businesses increasingly operate globally, demand for seamless legal service spanning the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and beyond has grown rapidly particularly in high-growth sectors such as technology, life sciences, financial services and private equity.
Steve D’Amore, Chairman of Winston & Strawn, who will continue as Chairman of the combined firm, stated that the firm’s partners overwhelmingly supported the merger because it aligns with clients’ desire for unified counsel across borders. Under his leadership, Winston Taylor aims to preserve the culture and
client focus of both legacy firms while expanding geographical reach and practice strength.
Similarly, Taylor Wessing UK’s Managing Partner, Shane Gleghorn, will serve as Managing Partner of Europe and the Middle East for Winston Taylor and join its executive committee, reflecting the importance of the UK-Europe market in the firm’s overall strategy. Gleghorn highlighted that merging with Winston & Strawn gives clients premier teams in critical hubs of global commerce.
Expanded Global Reach and Integrated Legal Services
Once completed, Winston Taylor will operate in major business and innovation centers including London, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Dubai, Dublin, Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris and São Paulo among other cities. This expanded global network will enable the firm to offer comprehensive legal services across practice areas such as corporate law, complex litigation, mergers and acquisitions, strategic intellectual property, regulatory compliance, antitrust and private wealth all under a single transatlantic platform.
The merger also includes Taylor Wessing’s offices in the Netherlands and Belgium, which have voted to operate under the Winston Taylor brand. Over time and subject to regulatory approvals, these regions are expected to fully integrate into Winston Taylor’s broader operations. Meanwhile, other parts of the Taylor Wessing verein, including Germany and select international affiliates, will maintain cooperative and referral relationships with Winston Taylor, ensuring continuity of client service across these networks.
Industry Context: Law Firm Consolidation Across Borders
The Winston Taylor merger is part of a broader trend of consolidation in the international legal market. In recent years, several major transatlantic combinations have been announced or completed, driven by intensifying competition, the globalization of client needs and the desire for scale. Other significant mergers include deals between Ashurst and Perkins Coie and Hogan Lovells with Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, which similarly aim to expand geographic reach and client offerings.
Industry analysts note that merger activity in the legal sector increased significantly in 2025, reflecting law firms’ strategic move to build out comprehensive transatlantic platforms that can serve multinational corporate clients with consistent, high-quality legal expertise across continents.
Potential Challenges and Integration Considerations
While the merger brings numerous strategic advantages, it also presents integration challenges typical of large cross-border combinations including harmonizing firm cultures, aligning compensation structures, and managing disparate regulatory environments. For example, profit per equity partner and compensation models historically differ between U.S. firms like Winston & Strawn and U.K. firms such as Taylor Wessing, which could require careful management during the integration phase.
However, both firms have expressed strong confidence that their aligned priorities a focus on client service excellence, innovation, and integrated legal capability will support a successful union. The official launch of Winston Taylor in May 2026 will mark a significant milestone in the evolution of global law firm strategy.
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