Hogan Lovells promotes 28 to partner in its first round since announcing the Cadwalader merger
Hogan Lovells has promoted 28 lawyers to its global partnership in its first promotions round since announcing plans to merge with US firm Cadwalader Wickersham and Taft.
The promotions match the size of the firm’s 2025 and 2024 partner intakes, marking the third consecutive year in which 28 lawyers have been elevated. Of the new partners, 46 percent are women, down slightly from 50 percent in the previous year. The firm also promoted 53 lawyers to counsel, an increase from 47 in 2025.
Europe accounted for the largest share of partner promotions, with 15 lawyers elevated across the region. London saw the highest number, with five promotions, while Paris, Munich and Amsterdam each recorded two. Further promotions were made in Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Milan and Madrid.
The Americas followed with 12 new partners, compared with 13 in 2025. Eight of the promotions were based in Washington, DC, with one each in Denver, Northern Virginia, Miami and New York. Asia Pacific saw a single promotion, with Shanghai-based international trade and investment specialist Stephanie Sun joining the partnership.
The corporate and finance practice group recorded the highest number of promotions, with 12 in total. These were spread across mergers and acquisitions, private equity and funds, capital markets, and restructuring and special situations, alongside individual promotions in real estate, tax, pensions and benefits.
The global regulatory and intellectual property group saw 10 promotions. These included roles in intellectual property, international trade and investment, government relations and public affairs, transportation, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, communications, antitrust and strategic operations.
The litigation, arbitration and employment group completed the promotions round with six new partners, all in litigation.
Hogan Lovells chief executive Miguel Zaldivar said the firm was pleased to recognise a group of lawyers who would strengthen its ability to advise clients on complex mandates, particularly in highly regulated sectors. He said the promotions reflected the firm’s strategy to maintain balance across practices, regions and sectors.
The promotions come as Hogan Lovells prepares for a partners’ vote on its proposed merger with New York-based Cadwalader Wickersham and Taft, expected in the spring. If approved, the deal would create the world’s fifth-largest law firm by revenue, with a combined turnover of more than three billion six hundred million dollars based on 2024 performance and a global workforce of around three thousand one hundred lawyers.
Earlier this week, the firm also confirmed the departure of two senior intellectual property partners in Washington, DC, Lynn Mehler and Phil Katz, who have joined Paul Hastings.