The combined firm, dubbed SNR Denton, would be one of the top 25 law firms in the world based on size, according to a press release. The merger is subject to a partnership vote by each firm, which is slated for June 9.
SNR Denton’s two largest offices would be in London and New York. The firm will have eight key practice areas: Financial Institutions and Funds; Energy, Transport and Infrastructure; Insurance; Real Estate, Retail and Hotels; Technology, Media & Telecommunications; Health and Life Sciences; Manufacturing; and Government.
SNR chairman Elliot Portnoy and Denton CEO Howard Morris will serve as co-CEO of the new firm.
Morris, who said negotiations on the merger had been ongoing for several months, commented on the move in the release.
“This combination is the next step in our vision to create an elite, client-focused international firm that is about one thing – quality,” Morris said. “Both firms have long enjoyed reputations as being world class, and now together we’ll have the assets and professional resources to carry that forward to new sectors, new practices, and new markets. As one firm, we will be able to serve our clients better.”
Martin Kitchen of Denton and Joseph Andrews of SNR will serve as co-chairmen of SNR Denton.
Trans-global mergers are de rigueur these days in the corporate legal world, reports the Chicago Tribune. Earlier this month, DC based Hogan & Hartson also completed a merger with the London firm Lovell. Look forward to seeing more of these marriages as American firms attempt to gain leverage in the global marketplace.
Founded in 1906, Sonnenschein’s attorneys and professionals provide innovative legal services. It has thirteen offices in the U.S. and Europe, and a global reach throughout the Americas, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Denton’s founding dates back to the late 1700s in London.