UK law firms look across the Atlantic as cross-border mergers accelerate

2026-02-10 11:54:57 Legal / Law

UK law firms are increasingly looking across the Atlantic as cross-border mergers and strategic combinations with US firms continue to gather momentum. The trend reflects a growing appetite for international expansion, broader service offerings, and closer alignment with the evolving needs of global clients.

As businesses operate across multiple jurisdictions, law firms face increasing pressure to provide seamless cross-border legal support, particularly in areas such as corporate transactions, finance, disputes, and regulatory advisory work. For many UK firms, merging with or forming deeper ties with US counterparts is viewed as a strategic route to enhance international capability, access new markets, and strengthen long-term competitiveness.

A spokesperson for Solicitor News commented: “Transatlantic mergers are becoming an increasingly attractive route for UK law firms seeking scale, specialist expertise, and closer proximity to global clients. These combinations are typically driven by long-term strategic alignment rather than short-term growth considerations.”

Key factors driving transatlantic mergers

Industry observers point to several factors contributing to the rise in UK–US law firm combinations, including:

1. Growing client demand for integrated cross-border legal services
2. Increased volumes of international corporate and finance transactions
3. Access to specialist US legal expertise and sector knowledge
4. Competitive pressures within the global legal market
5. Opportunities for talent acquisition and practice expansion

For many firms, transatlantic mergers offer a way to diversify revenue streams while strengthening their international profile.

Concrete evidence of accelerating transatlantic combinations

Recent high-profile deals underline the scale and momentum of cross-Atlantic consolidation among leading UK law firms. These are not limited alliances or informal tie-ups, but major structural combinations involving some of the world’s largest legal practices.

In May 2024, London-founded Allen & Overy and New York-founded Shearman & Sterling completed their merger to form A&O Shearman, creating a transatlantic firm with approximately 4,000 lawyers and reported combined revenues of around $3.5bn. The merger was positioned by the firms as the creation of an integrated global elite platform with exceptional geographic reach.

Momentum continued in June 2025, when UK-headquartered Herbert Smith Freehills launched its combination with US firm Kramer Levin, described at the time as the latest transatlantic merger among leading international practices.

More recently, in late January 2026, partners at Winston & Strawn and Taylor Wessing approved a transatlantic merger expected to go live in May 2026. The combined firm, Winston Taylor, is projected to include more than 1,400 lawyers and generate approximately $1.75bn in annual revenue, further underscoring the scale of current UK–US combinations.

Further details on the Winston & Strawn–Taylor Wessing merger are available here:
https://solicitornews.co.uk/taylor-wessing-confirms-transatlantic-merger/

The deal has since progressed, with partners at both firms approving the merger, marking a significant milestone in cross-border consolidation among leading UK and US law firms:
https://solicitornews.co.uk/winston-strawn-taylor-wessing-merger-approved/

Independent data points to elevated merger activity

Beyond individual transactions, independent tracking suggests sustained levels of consolidation activity across the legal sector. Consultancy Fairfax Associates, in data cited by Reuters, reported an 18% increase in law firm merger activity during 2025. While quarterly volumes have remained broadly stable with 22 completed deals in the first quarter of 2025 compared with 21 in the same period in 2024, overall activity remains elevated, reinforcing the view that consolidation pressures persist.

Strategic context and considerations

While cross-border mergers can deliver significant strategic advantages, they also present challenges. Differences in regulatory frameworks, partnership structures, firm culture, and remuneration models require careful planning and alignment. Firms must also manage integration risks and ensure consistent service quality across jurisdictions.

Not every UK law firm is pursuing a full transatlantic merger. Many continue to favour US office expansion, targeted lateral hiring, or strategic alliances instead of formal combinations. However, the number, size, and frequency of major UK–US mergers since 2024, combined with elevated merger volumes reported for 2025, support the view that cross-Atlantic consolidation is accelerating at the top end of the market.

Globalisation expected to shape law firm strategy

As globalisation continues to influence the legal sector, cross-border collaboration and consolidation are expected to play an increasingly important role in law firm strategy. UK firms with international ambitions are actively assessing merger opportunities, alliances, and global platforms as part of their long-term growth plans.

The spokesperson added, “International expansion is becoming a strategic necessity for many firms. As client expectations evolve, law firms must adapt their structures and strategies to remain competitive in an increasingly global legal market.”

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