The combined entity is set to become Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer on 1 June
Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) and Kramer Levin will be merging into the combined entity Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (HSF Kramer).
The merger is expected to complete on 1 June. The combination was unanimously approved by the partnerships of both firms.
HSF first announced the combination plans in November. HSF Kramer will have more than US$2bn in revenue and about 2,700 lawyers, including around 630 partners working across 26 offices.
“Today is an exciting day – a major milestone for our firms,” said Justin D'Agostino, HSF’s global CEO, in an HSF news release. “HSF Kramer's combined offering, global reach and scale means we will be able to deliver more effectively for our clients, whose needs are evolving rapidly in a complex environment.”
HSF Kramer would be “the first truly transatlantic and transpacific law firm combination,” HSF said. Chairperson and senior partner Rebecca Maslen-Stannage (picrured left) added that the combination was “a historic and long-term commitment from both firms.”
“We have already had considerable interest around US disputes and class actions capabilities, corporate restructuring, in-bound and out-bound M&A, financing and various tech intersections,” she said. “As we have been working more closely with Kramer Levin since the proposed combination was announced, their focus on exceptional client service and strong high performing culture has really resonated with us. We already have plans to grow further in the US together to deliver for our clients.”
Australia and Asia executive partner Kristin Stammer (pictured right) said that once the merger takes effect, “the combined local and global bench strength that we will be able to deliver to our clients will be unmatched by our competitors in Australia.”
