McDermott Will & Schulte: Billion-euro merger creates global legal giant

The transatlantic mega-alliance completes a wave of consolidation in the international legal market with 1,750 lawyers worldwide.

Successful implementation of the Billion Dollar Alliance

The strategic merger between McDermott Will & Emery and Schulte Roth & Zabel reached its operational conclusion on August 1. The newly formed McDermott Will & Schulte has established itself as a global legal consultancy with over 20 international offices and combined annual revenues of three billion US dollars.

Timely implementation after partnership approval

The merger process proceeded according to the announced timeframe: After the merger plans became public in May, both partnerships confirmed their approval at the end of June. The scheduled completion at the beginning of the month demonstrates the efficient integration planning.

German market position strengthened

Managing Partner Matthias Kampshoff characterizes the merger as a groundbreaking development step for German clients. Participation in an organization that defines innovative standards for excellent legal advice considerably strengthens the local competitive position.

Sector-wide consolidation momentum

This transaction is one in a series of significant law firm mergers: Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel had already been operating as Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer since June 1. The previous year marked the creation of A&O Shearman through the merger of Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling.

Strategic market concentration accelerates

The current development illustrates the systematic transformation of the international legal advice market. Leading law firms are responding to growing client requirements and intense competition by scaling their organizational structures and expanding their geographical presence. The successful integration positions McDermott Will & Schulte as a major player in the globalized legal services sector.