Merger expected to rank among largest law firm combinations by size and turnover
Partners at Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft have approved their proposed combination, paving the way for what the firms describe as the largest law firm merger in history.
The merged firm, to be known as Hogan Lovells Cadwalader, is expected to go live on 1 July 2026, subject to final formalities.
The combination will bring together around 3,100 lawyers across the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific, with combined revenues of approximately $3.6bn, placing it among the largest firms globally by both size and turnover.
The firms said the merger would create a “scaled global finance platform” with strong capabilities across regulatory, disputes and transactional work, particularly in key markets such as New York and London.
It will combine Hogan Lovells’ strength in highly regulated sectors, including corporate, M&A, regulatory and disputes, with Cadwalader’s established finance, capital markets and structured products practices.
The leadership structure of the combined firm will draw from both partnerships. Cadwalader partners will sit on the firm’s 21-member international management committee, with two also joining a 13-seat board, while Hogan Lovells’ existing leadership team will remain in place. The firms said this approach is intended to ensure continuity while integrating both businesses.
Commenting on the deal, Miguel Zaldivar, chief executive of Hogan Lovells, said: “This combination represents a unique opportunity to bring together two highly complementary firms, enhancing our ability to support clients on their most complex and important matters across the globe.”
Patrick Quinn, managing partner of Cadwalader, said the merger would create “a powerful global platform” and strengthen the firm’s ability to deliver for clients, particularly in finance and transactional work.
The new firm is expected to rank as one of the largest in major global legal centres, including becoming the second-largest firm in Washington DC, a top 10 firm in London and a top 25 firm in New York.
The deal reflects a broader trend of consolidation among international law firms, as they seek greater scale and sector depth to compete in increasingly complex global markets.