Herbert Smith Freehills announces merger with Kramer Levin
updated on 13 November 2024
Reading time: one minute
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is poised to merge with the US law firm Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel, establishing a new transatlantic powerhouse that’ll employ 2,700 lawyers and generate more than £1.5 billion in revenue.
The merger offers both firms the opportunity to expand their practises across the globe. Herbert Smith Freehills has a strong focus on Asia, Australia, EMEA and the UK, while Kramer Levin operates from New York and has offices in Silicon Valley, Washington DC and Paris. Following the merger, which is still subject to a partner vote, the new firm will be referred to as Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, or HSF Kramer in the US, and will have 25 offices globally.
Speaking on the motivations behind the merger, co-managing partner of Kramer Levin Howard T. Spilko noted “broader geographic reach and sector expertise” as key drivers.
He added: “Joining forces with Herbert Smith Freehills is a one-of-a-kind opportunity that helps us achieve our vision and potential for strategic growth.”
Rebecca Maslen-Stannage, Herbert Smith Freehills chair and senior partner, said: “This is transformational. We have long been committed to expanding our offering in the US and Kramer Levin is the perfect fit. The combination delivers immediate growth for both firms from day one.”
Read this Feature to discover more about law firm mergers – from the largest mergers in 2024 to the practicalities behind a merger to what happens when a merger goes wrong.
