Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader Merge to Forge Global Legal Powerhouse in Key Markets

On December 18, 2025, in a groundbreaking announcement, Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, revealed their intentions to merge, forming a powerful new legal firm known as Hogan Lovells Cadwalader. This merger marks a historic milestone as it is set to be the largest law firm combination in history, and it places the new entity among the top five global law firms in terms of revenue, projecting over $3.6 billion annually.

The newly formed Hogan Lovells Cadwalader aims to revolutionize client service across all G20 markets by leveraging the robust capabilities of both firms. With a workforce of approximately 3,100 seasoned attorneys, the firm will have a formidable presence across major global financial markets, including Americas, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), and APAC (Asia-Pacific).

Miguel A. Zaldivar, Jr., current CEO of Hogan Lovells, expressed the necessity for a strong transatlantic firm that caters to clients with complex mandates. He stated, "Clients are increasingly looking for firms with deep sector expertise and broad global reach. Cadwalader enhances our finance capabilities significantly. This combination allows us to better serve clients thriving in cross-border investments."

Cadwalader, recognized as Wall Street's oldest law firm, has a rich history and has developed strong ties with top-tier financial institutions, enhancing Hogan Lovells’ existing client relationships within regulated sectors. Together, both firms will offer unrivaled services across finance, corporate law, regulatory frameworks, intellectual property, and dispute resolution, strategically positioning themselves for high-value engagements.

The union is strategically timed, aligning with trends reshaping the global economy. Both firms have acknowledged that the rise in private capital and sectors such as tech, energy, and life sciences demands a firm that can provide comprehensive legal counsel across markets. The focus will also include advising on transformative deals that leverage complex financial instruments, given Cadwalader's historic penetration into structured finance and securitization practices.

Hogan Lovells Cadwalader is poised to become a key player in the financial sector, particularly in important corridors like New York and London. With a strategic base in these financial hubs, the firm is also planning to expand its operations further in markets across Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, aligning its legal capabilities to support the fast-evolving private capital markets.

In conjunction with its legal capabilities, the merger positions Hogan Lovells Cadwalader as a leader in innovation and technology in the legal sector. Hogan Lovells' commitment to AI and technology integration will be pivotal in enhancing service efficiency and depth. The synergy will be further augmented by utilizing proprietary AI tools to streamline operations and enhance client advisory functions, creating a legally sophisticated powerhouse equipped for future challenges.

As the proposal awaits customary closing conditions, including partner votes scheduled in 2026, the firms' leadership emphasizes the collective ambition to deliver unparalleled client service on a larger scale, fulfilling longstanding missions to serve their clients and communities with excellence, ambition, and collaboration.

With a presence in critical markets and a commitment to innovation, Hogan Lovells Cadwalader aims to redefine the future of legal services, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the industry amid evolving global demands. This historic merger stands as a testament to the continuous evolution of the legal landscape, reinforcing the foundational principles of excellence and service essential for sustainable growth.

Topics General Business)

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