Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader Agree to Merge, Creating $3.6B Global Law Firm
Proposed tie-up would form the world’s fifth-largest firm by revenue, spanning 3,100 lawyers across key markets.
Staff WriterDec 19, 2025, 1:32 PMGlobal law firm Hogan Lovells and New York-based Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft have agreed to merge, a move that would create a combined practice with approximately 3,100 lawyers and annual revenues of $3.6 billion, the firms announced on Thursday.
The merger would unite Hogan Lovells’ international business and finance client base with that of one of Wall Street’s oldest law firms. The transaction remains subject to a partnership vote, scheduled for 2026.
If approved, the deal would rank the combined entity as the world’s fifth-largest law firm by revenue, continuing a wave of major transatlantic and US law firm consolidations.
Cadwalader co-managing partner Pat Quinn said the merger would position the firm within “one of the world’s most formidable legal platforms.” Cadwalader has seen several partner departures over the past year.
Earlier this year, Cadwalader was among nine law firms that reached agreements with US President Donald Trump following executive orders affecting other firms’ access to government buildings, officials and federal contracting work. As part of that agreement, Cadwalader pledged $100 million in pro bono legal services to causes supported by the administration. Quinn said the firm remains committed to pro bono work, but declined to confirm whether the arrangement would extend to the merged entity.
Hogan Lovells CEO Miguel Zaldivar is expected to lead the combined firm, which will be named Hogan Lovells Cadwalader. Commenting on broader consolidation trends, Zaldivar said the New York–London corridor remains “the most attractive and lucrative legal market” globally.
The announcement follows other high-profile merger plans, including Chicago-based Winston & Strawn’s proposed combination with UK firm Taylor Wessing, and the planned merger between Ashurst and Perkins Coie next year.
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