Ashurst and Perkins Coie have announced their intention to merge, creating a new global law firm named Ashurst Perkins Coie.
This merger is set to position the combined firm among the top 20 law firms worldwide by revenue, with an impressive $2.7 billion in combined annual revenue.
Together, the new firm will have approximately 6,500 people working in 52 offices across 23 countries, merging Ashurst’s extensive global presence with Perkins Coie’s technology expertise.
Paul Jenkins, Global CEO of Ashurst, described the day as “significant,” highlighting how the merger reflects Ashurst’s long-held goal to expand in the U.S. market by partnering with a firm that shares its culture of collaboration and commitment to clients.
He said, “Perkins Coie is exactly that: a forward-thinking law firm meeting its clients at the forefront of technological change, and deep, trusted expertise that complements our own.”
Ashurst has a strong international footprint with standout sector expertise in energy, infrastructure, and financial services. Perkins Coie brings to the combination deep roots in the technology sector, particularly advising clients on intellectual property, privacy, data security, and other tech-driven legal matters. This synergy is expected to offer clients seamless access to a full spectrum of legal services with a global touch.
In addition to geography and sectors, both firms are leaders in incorporating artificial intelligence into their legal practices. The new firm plans to build on this foundation, leveraging AI to transform legal services and help clients accelerate growth.
Leadership will be shared: Paul Jenkins and Bill Malley, Managing Partner at Perkins Coie, will serve as co-CEOs, ensuring continuity and collaboration. Karen Davies (Ashurst) and Brian Eiting (Perkins Coie) will be co-chairs.
The merger aims to enhance the firms’ global capabilities in key industries that are shaping the modern economy: technology, energy and infrastructure, and financial services. Ashurst Perkins Coie will be well-positioned to provide integrated, high-quality services to clients facing complex and fast-evolving challenges around the world.
Beyond expanding footprint and capabilities, the firms emphasize their shared values and cultural fit as foundational to successful integration. Karen Davies said, “Clients want us to think and act globally… Uniting with Perkins Coie, a firm that shares our values and collaborative culture, is exciting.”
The merging of Ashurst and Perkins Coie is one of the most notable transatlantic law firm mergers in recent years, promising a new powerhouse in the global legal market, and one to watch as it rolls out over the coming year.
This merger reflects how modern law firms are evolving—blending traditional strengths with innovation and culture to meet clients’ increasing demands for seamless, multidisciplinary legal expertise in a fast-changing world.
