Perkins Coie and Ashurst announced their intention to combine to create one of the world's 20 largest law firms, called Ashurst Perkins Coie.
This combination of equals unites two elite firms with highly complementary geographical footprints, capabilities and cultures, to build a globally integrated firm with deep industry and practice area knowledge, relentlessly focused on the success of its clients.
Perkins Coie brings a leading position in the technology sector and deep expertise in corporate, litigation, and intellectual property law, as well as highly regarded practices in privacy, fintech, environmental law, and healthcare. Ashurst, recognized for its excellence in legal innovation, has a strong global presence, expertise in complex cross-border transactions, and experience in the energy and infrastructure, financial services, and real estate sectors.
Ashurst Perkins Coie will be a trusted partner for companies shaping the future of the global economy, helping them navigate an increasingly complex environment and unlock transformative growth opportunities. It will have 52 offices in 23 countries, with flagship locations in Seattle, London, Sydney, and New York, and strong expertise in major financial centers, including Brussels, Dubai, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Paris, Seoul, Shenzhen, Singapore, and Tokyo.
The firm's size will be matched by the quality of its talent and a track record of reliable and effective advice. Of Ashurst Perkins Coie's 3,000 lawyers, more than 450 are recognized by Chambers and Partners, placing the firm fourth in terms of the number of lawyers ranked by this prestigious directory.
Both Perkins Coie and Ashurst have demonstrated strong financial performance in recent years, which they have used to invest in leading technology and artificial intelligence systems that enhance their advisory capabilities. Ashurst Perkins Coie, with the combined financial strength of both firms, will leverage the power of artificial intelligence to transform the practice of law and help clients adopt it effectively to accelerate their growth.
Ashurst Perkins Coie will be led by Bill Malley and Paul Jenkins as co-CEOs, ensuring continuity of leadership as the combined firm enters its next phase of growth. Karen Davies (Ashurst) and Brian Eiting (Perkins Coie) will be co-chairmen of the combined firm. Mark Birnbaum, current Chairman of the Perkins Coie Executive Committee, whose ordinary term ends at the end of 2025, will continue in his role until closing.
Bill Malley, managing partner of Perkins Coie, noted that “Perkins Coie has a track record to be proud of, supporting the world’s most innovative companies, helping them grow and growing alongside them, which has underpinned our strong financial results in recent years.
Today, our clients face challenges and opportunities that are not only global, but increasingly complex. To rise to the occasion, we must strengthen our ability to provide reliable legal advice, without borders.
“Ashurst complements our geographic coverage and capabilities, and shares our ambition to build a firm defined by ingenuity and collaboration. Together, we will combine resources and experience to accelerate growth and set new standards for world-class legal service.”
Paul Jenkins, global CEO of Ashurst, said, “For many years, our aspiration has been to grow in the United States with the right partner: a firm with deep and reliable experience that complements our own. Now we have found that partner: Perkins Coie is an ambitious and forward-thinking firm that supports its clients at the forefront of technological change. At a time of accelerated transformation and strategic complexity, we are excited by this unique opportunity to create a truly differentiated global firm for our clients and our people.”
With Ashurst's established global presence and sector expertise, and both firms' reputation for challenging the status quo, I am confident that Ashurst Perkins Coie will be a leading advisor in the key industries—technology, energy and infrastructure, and financial services—that are shaping the future of the global economy.”
Karen Davies, global president of Ashurst, commented, “As our clients face more complex and global issues, the demand for truly integrated legal solutions has never been greater. This combination positions us at the forefront of meeting that demand. Clients want us to think and act globally, and we are excited to join forces with Perkins Coie, a firm that shares our values and a collaborative culture, to create a firm with greater capabilities and deeper client relationships.”
Beyond our complementary capabilities and geographies, both firms have grown largely organically and are proud of our histories, geographic roots, and like-minded cultures and people. We are a truly global firm that has guided its clients through generational changes, risks, and opportunities. This combination allows us to bring the best of both firms to every matter, significantly strengthening our ability to serve our clients' needs worldwide and creating new opportunities for our people.
Mark Birnbaum, Chairman of the Executive Committee of Perkins Coie, noted that “for more than 100 years, we have looked to the future, constantly adapting to change and helping our clients do the same. This combination is the next evolution of that path, bringing together two forward-thinking firms on a truly global platform that will remain at the forefront of change.”
The proposed combination is subject to customary closing conditions, including voting by the partners of each firm.
