Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader to Merge, Creating a Major Legal Force in G20 Markets

Historic Merger of Legal Titans: Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader

On December 18, 2025, Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft announced a monumental decision to combine forces and establish a new entity: Hogan Lovells Cadwalader. This merger will signify the largest law firm combination in history, set to position the new firm as the fifth largest globally by revenue, with annual earnings exceeding $3.6 billion and a robust team of over 3,100 attorneys operating across critical markets in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.

This strategic move aims to enhance the legal services offered to clients in financial markets, especially between major hubs such as New York and London. The resulting firm will leverage the collective expertise of both organizations, providing an unparalleled range of services in finance, corporate regulations, disputes, intellectual property, and more.

A Powerful Alliance

Hogan Lovells is known for its leadership in advising clients across regulated sectors, while Cadwalader holds the esteemed title of Wall Street's oldest law firm. Together, they aim to create a powerhouse that can navigate complex legal challenges facing international businesses today.

Miguel A. Zaldivar, Jr., the CEO of Hogan Lovells, remarked on the growing need for law firms with extensive sector expertise and global reach, particularly given the increasing complexity of international cross-border investments. The merger aligns with this need and is designed to enhance the firms' capabilities to serve their clientele, which includes leading financial institutions, multinational corporations, and sovereign entities.

Wes Misson, a Co-Managing Partner at Cadwalader, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the alignment of values and commitment to providing exemplary client service as key motivations for the merger.

Strategic Strengths and Global Reach

Together, Hogan Lovells Cadwalader will have the unique advantage of operating from five key locations: Washington, D.C., New York, London, Germany, and the France-Italy-Spain region. This geographic distribution allows the firm to effectively handle complex legal matters on a global scale. With offices and specialized teams in these important financial centers, the firm is set to become a leader in areas such as fund finance, corporate mergers and acquisitions, litigation, and compliance regulations.

In New York, the combined firm will be among the top 25 law firms, bolstered by Cadwalader’s expertise in structured finance and real estate, complemented by Hogan Lovells’ strengths in commercial litigation and merger and acquisition transactions. In London, they will rank among the top ten firms, combining their legal prowess to serve clients navigating cross-border transactional challenges.

Unlocking New Opportunities

The merger not only combines the strengths of two prestigious law firms but also opens avenues for exceptional service delivery across many industries. Covering sectors in finance, energy, technology, life sciences, and beyond, the firm stands poised to tackle contemporary legal and business challenges.

With increased globalization, cross-border investment is driving growth in numerous sectors, and the expanded capabilities of Hogan Lovells Cadwalader will directly address these needs. Their innovative approaches to structured finance and regulatory compliance will foster growth in high-demand areas such as renewable energy and technology infrastructures.

Additionally, the combination promises to spearhead advancements in technology-enabled legal services. With significant investments in AI and technology initiatives, Hogan Lovells has established a forward-thinking legal landscape, and Cadwalader looks set to enhance this strategic innovation. This integrated approach will aim to streamline operations and enhance client outcomes significantly.

Next Steps and Future Outlook

Both firms are preparing to take the critical next steps to formalize this partnership, including partner votes scheduled for 2026, followed by customary closing conditions. The legal community and clients alike await the merger's completion with great anticipation, as Hogan Lovells Cadwalader takes shape as a leading global legal force.

In summary, the merger between Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader represents not just a union of two firms, but the creation of a dynamic and formidable legal presence in key markets around the globe. This strategic alliance will pave the way for redefining excellence and leadership in the legal sector.