The top-20 global firm will concentrate on tech, energy and infrastructure, and financial services
Global firms Perkins Coie and Ashurst have announced a plan to combine into Ashurst Perkins Coie, a firm specializing in tech, energy and infrastructure, and financial services.
Perkins Coie managing partner Bill Malley and Ashurst global CEO Paul Jenkins have been named global co-CEOs of the new entity. Ashurst global chair Karen Davies will serve as Ashurst Perkins Coie co-chair alongside Perkins Coie partner Brian Eiting, who chairs Perkins Coie’s corporate practice.
The new entity has a recorded revenue of US$2.7 billion and employs 3,000 lawyers. It has 52 offices across 23 countries, including in Seattle, London, Sydney, and New York.
Moreover, Ashurst Perkins Coie brings experience gleaned from having operated across major financial hubs like Brussels, Dubai, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Paris, Seoul, Shenzhen, Singapore, and Tokyo. The combined entity is expected to leverage artificial intelligence further to build on its offerings.
“As clients face more complex, global issues, the demand for truly integrated legal solutions has never been greater. This combination positions us to meet this demand head-on,” Davies said in a statement. “This combination allows us to bring the best of both firms to every matter, significantly strengthening our ability to meet our combined clients' needs on a global scale, and creating new opportunities for our people.”
Jenkins added that Ashurst’s goal for many years had been to expand its US presence. Perkins Coie brings expertise in corporate, litigation, intellectual property, privacy, fintech, environmental, and life sciences matters, while Ashurst brings expertise in complex cross-border transactions and matters involving the energy and infrastructure, financial services, and real estate sectors.
“Perkins Coie is an ambitious, forward-thinking law firm meeting its clients at the forefront of technological change. At a time of rapid transformation and strategic complexity, we are excited by this unique opportunity to launch a truly differentiated global law firm for our clients and our people,” he said. “I am confident Ashurst Perkins Coie will be a leading advisor across the key industries – technology, energy and infrastructure, and financial services – which are shaping the future of the global economy.”
The completion of the pitched merger is pending customary closing conditions such a partners’ vote at each firm.
