Introduction

Ashurst has agreed to merge with US firm Perkins Coie, creating a global law firm. Ashurst gains the US presence it has been missing for years, while Perkins Coie becomes a genuine global player. This is one of the most significant UK–US law firm combinations in recent memory.

What’s Going On?

Ashurst and Perkins Coie have announced a full merger, creating a top-20 global firm by revenue.

Here’s what the combined platform looks like:

  • $2.7bn in revenue.
  • 50+ offices across the US, UK, Europe and Asia.
  • Joint leadership from both firms.
  • Coverage across tech, finance, energy, disputes, infrastructure and regulatory work.

This is not an alliance. It’s a complete structural merger with unified governance, systems and client strategy.

Who’s Who? (Explained Simply)

Ashurst: Global Corporate & Finance Strength

  • A major international firm based in London.

  • Strong in finance, energy, real estate, infrastructure, disputes and cross-border deals.

  • Its long-standing weakness: no meaningful US footprint.

Perkins Coie: US Tech & Innovation Powerhouse (Now in London too)

  • A leading US firm based in Seattle with deep roots in technology, venture capital, startups and IP litigation.

  • Recently opened in London (2024), but lacked full international scale.

Why They Fit

  • Ashurst gets instant US credibility.
  • Perkins Coie gains a real global platform.
  • Clients get one integrated team across Europe, the US and Asia.

How Legal Teams Get Involved

A merger this large operates like a multi-jurisdictional transaction.

Corporate & Governance Teams

  • Structure the merger.
  • Coordinate partner votes.
  • Design the new governance framework.

Regulatory & Competition Lawyers

  • Handle antitrust and compliance filings.
  • Align US/UK regulatory requirements.

Conflicts & Risk Teams

  • Run extensive conflict checks.
  • Map overlapping client relationships.
  • Manage mandatory exits where needed.

Employment & Integration Lawyers

  • Unify global policies.
  • Align partner compensation.
  • Manage relocations and team movements.

Behind the scenes, this is one of the most complex operational projects a law firm can undertake.

BPB Insight: Why This Matters for Aspiring Lawyers

The key takeaway is straightforward - this merger levels up both firms. Ashurst moves closer to being a full-service global heavyweight. Perkins Coie steps onto the world stage with real international presence. Together, their $2.7bn revenue puts them in competitive range with Magic Circle firms and changes how both are perceived in the market.

For students, this matters because:

  • The firms you apply to won’t look the same in 12–24 months.
  • Bigger platforms mean bigger deals and more varied seats.
  • The best opportunities increasingly sit with firms that are scaling fast.

If you understand why firms merge, you understand where the best work, training and long-term prospects are heading.