The combination will operate under the name of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Herbert Smith Freehills has merged with Kramer Levin to form Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (HSF Kramer in the US).
The combination marries HSF’s presence across Asia, Australia, EMEA, and UK with Kramer Levin’s presence in New York, Washington D.C., and Silicon Valley. According to HSF’s media release, the merger is expected to speed up the firm’s growth in the US, particularly in sectors like energy, financial services, infrastructure, mining, and technology.
“We have long been committed to expanding our offering in the US and Kramer Levin is the perfect fit. The combination delivers immediate growth for both firms from day one,” HSF chair and senior partner Rebecca Maslen-Stannage said.
Kramer Levin co-managing partner Howard T. Spilko added that the merger provided both firms with “a significant competitive advantage by bolstering our destination practices with a deeper bench, broader geographic reach and sector expertise.”
The merged entity brings revenues exceeding US$2 billion, with both firms pooling their global profits from the day the combination takes effect. Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer will have 25 offices, more than 2,700 lawyers, and about 640 partners.
“We are very much aligned culturally and share critical core values, particularly a belief that a collaborative approach is the key to providing best-in-class solutions and service to our clients. We also have the same deeply rooted commitment to diversity and inclusion, pro bono work, and community service,” Kramer Levin co-managing partner Paul H. Schoeman said.
The pitched combination is pending the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including a partner vote by each firm.
“This is an excellent long-term, strategic move for our firms, our clients and our people – a bold opportunity to build an exciting international firm together, based on our strong cultures of collaboration, superb clients and people, and our existing areas of strength. This is just the beginning,” HSF global CEO Justin D’Agostino said.
