US and UK partnerships vote decisively to form a new transatlantic legal powerhouse
The partnerships of Winston & Strawn LLP and Taylor Wessing UK have voted overwhelmingly to approve a combination that will create a new transatlantic law firm operating under the name Winston Taylor.
The decision was announced on 30 January 2026, confirming that both firms’ partnerships have given decisive backing to the transaction. Following a period of partner-led integration, the combined firm is expected to launch formally in May 2026.
Once established, Winston Taylor will bring together more than 1,400 lawyers across the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. The combination is set to create one of the largest transatlantic law firms in the global legal market, with a focus on complex litigation, high-value transactions, intellectual property and private wealth work.
The firm will advise clients across key sectors including technology, life sciences and financial services. According to the announcement, the combination is intended to deliver integrated legal services across borders, responding to client demand for unified teams operating across major global markets.
Steve D’Amore, Chairman of Winston & Strawn, said the strong level of partner support reflected a shared commitment to meeting client needs through a single transatlantic platform. He will continue in his role as Chairman of the combined firm.
Shane Gleghorn, Managing Partner of Taylor Wessing UK, said the new firm would be positioned in major hubs of innovation and capital across the US, Europe and the Middle East. He will serve as Managing Partner for Europe and the Middle East at Winston Taylor and will also join its Executive Committee.
As part of the arrangement, Taylor Wessing Netherlands and Taylor Wessing Belgium have voted to operate under the Winston Taylor brand. It is anticipated that these regions will, subject to approvals, integrate fully into the combined firm alongside the US and UK operations.
In addition, Winston Taylor has agreed a cooperation and referral arrangement with the legacy Taylor Wessing verein, including its operations in Germany and other jurisdictions, to ensure continuity of service for clients.
The combined firm will operate from 20 offices across major legal and commercial centres, including London, Chicago, New York, Paris, Dubai and San Francisco. The announcement positions Winston Taylor as a newly formed transatlantic firm with significant international reach ahead of its planned launch later this year.