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Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader Unveil Proposed Merger Creating Top-Five Law Firm

By  |  January 4, 2026

Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft have revealed plans to combine their operations in a deal that would create the largest law firm merger ever, forming a new entity to be known as Hogan Lovells Cadwalader. According to a statement, the proposed merger would give the firm a truly global presence spanning the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region.

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    If completed, the combination would result in the world’s fifth-largest law firm, employing about 3,100 lawyers worldwide and generating more than USD3.6 billion in annual revenue, per a statement from the firms. The merger is expected to significantly enhance Hogan Lovells’ transatlantic finance capabilities while offering Cadwalader a broader international platform with deep regulatory and industry-focused expertise.

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    Leadership of the combined firm would be headed by Hogan Lovells chief executive Miguel Zaldivar. According to a statement, Cadwalader co-managing partners Pat Quinn and Wesley Misson are set to join the international management committee. Under the proposed structure, Quinn would take on the role of global managing partner for client and practice integration, while Misson would serve as global managing partner for finance.

    Cadwalader, founded in 1792 and widely regarded as Wall Street’s oldest law firm, has built its reputation around bank lending, corporate and mergers and acquisitions work, litigation, restructuring, and private wealth matters. Per a statement, the firm currently operates three offices in the United States, along with one office each in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

    Hogan Lovells, by contrast, has a much broader geographic reach, with approximately 2,800 lawyers working across 35 offices worldwide. According to a statement, its Asia-Pacific presence includes offices in China, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Singapore, and the firm is known for its strengths in regulatory work, corporate M&A, intellectual property, and litigation.

    The merger is also expected to deepen both firms’ capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. Per a statement, the combined practice would give clients access to more than 140 APAC-based lawyers working across corporate and finance matters, compliance and investigations, technology, media and telecommunications, intellectual property, life sciences, data protection, and international trade.

    The proposed deal remains subject to standard closing conditions, including approval votes by partners at both firms. According to a statement, those votes are anticipated to take place in 2026.

    Source: Law Asia