Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader approve $3.6 billion transatlantic merger

Dimitar Dimitrov is a content and engagement coordinator at LawCareers.Net

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Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft have approved their proposed transatlantic merger, creating what the law firms have described as “the largest law firm merger in history”. The merged firm, to be known as Hogan Lovells Cadwalader, will launch on 1 July 2026.

Based on the firms’ 2024 financial results, the combined entity will generate revenues of $3.6 billion, making it the world’s fifth-largest law firm by turnover. It’ll employ around 3,100 lawyers across offices in the US, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific.

The firms said that the merger, which was first announced in December, would establish a “scaled global finance platform”. It’ll bring together Hogan Lovells’ strengths in corporate and M&A, regulatory, intellectual property and litigation with Cadwalader’s focus on finance, structured products and capital markets.

Find out more about Hogan Lovells’ capital markets practice ahead of the merger from one the firm’s senior associates, Izzy Bull.

Hogan Lovells’ chief executive Miguel Zaldivar will continue in his role as CEO of the combined firm. Zaldivar 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.”

Cadwalader co-managing partner Patrick Quinn will become global managing partner for client and practice integration. Quinn commented on the merger: “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.”

The combination is the latest in a series of recent high-profile transatlantic law firm mergers, following the approval of tie-ups between Winston & Strawn (London) LLP and Taylor Wessing, and Ashurst LLP and Perkins Coie.