Washington, D.C. – Feb. 26, 2018 – Following a vote today by the partnerships of both Bryan Cave LLP and Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) LLP, the two firms have announced they will merge, officially launching in early April. The new firm will be called Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP with combined revenues of more than $900 million, ranking it among the 50 largest law firms in the world. The merger brings together two organizations widely recognized for their innovative approaches to client service into one global, fully integrated law firm. Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner will provide clients with access to international practice and sector teams in 32 offices across 11 countries and a platform of approximately 1,600 lawyers.
Clients of the combined firm will have access to broader and deeper legal services including: one of the most active global M&A practices; the world’s 4th largest real estate practice; an international financial services practice present in all of the world’s largest financial centers; and an international litigation and corporate risk practice with comprehensive global capabilities. Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner also will have a range of other international industry sector and specialist offerings including: cyber and data security; energy and natural resources; food and agritech; hospitality; international corporate tax; retail; private wealth; sports and entertainment; and technology.
Both legacy firms have a strong track record in innovation. Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner will combine its legal operations consultancy and technology resources globally to provide clients with access to market-leading solutions including: BCXponent, Practice Economics and Streamline.
The new combined firm will be led by Co-Chairs Therese Pritchard and Lisa Mayhew.
“This merger will result in an expanded presence and set of service offerings in key markets around the world and accelerate our utilization of technology and innovation to redefine efficiency and value in the practice of law,” Bryan Cave Chair Therese Pritchard said. “Both firms have long traditions of building strong relationships – both with clients and within our firms. This legacy is reflected in shared values, including a core belief that our greatest asset is our people and our greatest responsibility is to our clients.”
“Our combination is rooted in a shared determination to do something fresh and different for clients,” commented Lisa Mayhew, Managing Partner of BLP. “Clients will benefit from our combined legal expertise; our shared values and culture and our approach to innovation in their interests. Different to most other international firms, ours will be fully financially integrated from day one. This will enable us to work in teams whose only focus will be to provide a first class service to clients.”
About Bryan Cave
Bryan Cave is a global law firm with more than 900 highly skilled lawyers in 25 offices in North America, Europe and Asia. The firm represents publicly held multinational corporations, large and mid-sized privately held companies, emerging companies, nonprofit and community organizations, government entities, and individuals. With a foundation based on enduring client relationships, deep and diverse legal experience, industry-shaping innovation and a collaborative culture, Bryan Cave’s transaction, litigation and regulatory practices serve clients in key business and financial markets.
About Berwin Leighton Paisner
Berwin Leighton Paisner is an international law firm with 14 offices across the world focused on client-led innovation. It provides a range of innovative solutions to clients including: Managed Legal Services; Visualisation; Streamline process mapping; and a wide range of practice innovations to its name such as Litigation Financial Forensic Services and High Net Worth Residential and Family Asset Protection services.
