The firm plans to focus on driving growth in more strategic locations, such as London and New York
Global law firm Hogan Lovells announced that it would wind down its operations in Warsaw, Johannesburg, and Sydney as part of a plan to concentrate on key markets.
Reuters reported that the firm’s decision, which affects nearly 65 lawyers and 58 support staff across the three offices, aligns with the firm's broader focus on driving growth in more strategic locations such as London, New York, California, Texas, Washington, DC, and other international hubs.
"This was a difficult decision, but one that was necessary for us to continue our path to achieve transformational growth and drive greater success," said Hogan Lovells CEO Miguel Zaldivar in a statement. The firm did not specify the reasons behind the closures of the individual offices, stating only that the process would occur over the "coming months."
The closures will impact 33 lawyers in Warsaw, 19 in Sydney, and nine in Johannesburg. Hogan Lovells, which was formed through the 2010 merger of US law firm Hogan & Hartson and UK-based Lovells, currently employs over 2,800 lawyers globally. The firm reported record revenues in 2023, with global revenue reaching US$2.68 billion and a 20 percent increase in profits per equity partner, averaging US$2.74 million.
Hogan Lovells is not alone in restructuring its international presence. A&O Shearman, a recently merged entity between Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling, also announced the closure of its Johannesburg office, which has 32 lawyers. The firm also indicated it would cut 10 percent of its global partnership.
The legal industry has seen other major firms scaling back internationally, particularly in China. US firm Perkins Coie recently announced the closure of its Beijing office, following the shutdown of its Shanghai location earlier this year. Perkins Coie will now focus its efforts on Shenzhen.
Additionally, Loeb & Loeb, another US law firm, revealed plans to absorb 17 lawyers, paralegals, and IP specialists from Perkins Coie's Beijing office pending regulatory approval. The firm will also acquire control of an IP agency from Perkins Coie.
