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Ashurst and Perkins Coie Unveil Plans for Major Transatlantic Merger

By  |  November 17, 2025

London-based Ashurst and U.S. law firm Perkins Coie announced Monday that they have reached an agreement to merge, a move that would create a global legal powerhouse of roughly 3,000 lawyers and generate about $2.7 billion in annual revenue. The combined entity would rank among the world’s 20 largest law firms, according to Reuters.

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    The prospective merger, which will form a new firm called Ashurst Perkins Coie, reflects an accelerating trend toward consolidation in the legal industry. Firms on both sides of the Atlantic have sought scale and broader capabilities to compete across key markets and practice areas. According to Reuters, the agreement mirrors other recent transatlantic tie-ups, including combinations involving Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin, and the 2023 union of Allen & Overy with Shearman & Sterling.

    Ashurst’s global CEO Paul Jenkins told Reuters that the two firms have been in discussions since February, saying that “from the beginning our conversations have really focused on the future, not just the year or two, but the next decade and beyond.” Jenkins and Perkins Coie’s managing partner Bill Malley will serve together as global co-CEOs of the merged firm.

    Malley said the pairing “complements our geographic reach,” adding that “we must strengthen our ability to deliver trusted legal guidance seamlessly across borders.” He also told Reuters the merged firm will be “uniquely suited” to assist clients in technology, financial services, and the energy and infrastructure sectors.

    If partners at both firms approve the deal, completion is expected in late 2026. The combined organization would span 52 offices across 23 countries, and Jenkins told Reuters there was “no intention at this stage” to pursue additional office openings.

    Perkins Coie’s high-profile role in U.S. political litigation has drawn national attention in recent months. The firm was one of four that successfully challenged executive orders issued by U.S. President Donald Trump targeting them over purported political affiliations. One order, imposed in March, suspended security clearances for Perkins Coie employees and limited their access to federal buildings and contracting work. The directive was struck down in May, though the administration is appealing the ruling. Similar orders against WilmerHale, Jenner & Block and Susman Godfrey were also overturned.

    Source: Reuters