Clyde & Co becomes latest firm to expand US footprint
updated on 09 February 2026
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Last week global law firm Clyde & Co LLP announced an expansion via a merger with US firm Forsberg & Umlauf, an insurance coverage and litigation practice. This marked the latest in a trend of law firm mergers.
The collaboration, which will establish a new office in Seattle, brings 12 partners, 20 non‑partner lawyers and 12 paralegals into Clyde & Co. According to Clyde & Co North American board chair Eileen King Bower, the move “strengthens our trial and defence capabilities in Washington state but also provides a strong foundation for further expansion in the region”.
Seattle will be Clyde & Co’s 20th office in North America, contributing to a network spanning more than 70 locations worldwide. In 2024/25, North America contributed 25% to the firm’s fee income but the UK remained its largest market at 46%.
This merger marks the most recent step in a broader trend of law firms joining forces. In 2025, law firm mergers grew by 18% compared to the previous year, according to data from law firm consultancy Fairfax Associates. The consultancy also expects deal‑making to pick up across all parts of the legal sector in 2026, noting that 16 mergers have already been announced for completion this year.
Other major international mergers are also moving closer. Partners at Winston & Strawn and Taylor Wessing’s UK arm have now confirmed and signed off on their anticipated transatlantic merger. Elsewhere, Hogan Lovells proposed a deal with New York firm Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft in December. Meanwhile, Ashurst LLP’s planned tie‑up with Seattle‑founded Perkins Coie is expected to complete later this year.
