Allen Overy

In 2023, two of the oldest law firms merged. Alan and Overy combined with Sheerman and Sterling to create A and O Sheerman. Over 4,000 lawyers, 48 officers, and combined revenue exceeding 3.4 billion. The largest cross-border legal merger in history. The logic was geographic. Alan and Overy dominated Europe and Asia, but was weak in America. Sheerman had deep New York roots, but lacked global reach. Combined, the firm covers London, New York, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, and Dubai without subcontracting. Merging two partnerships is brutally difficult. Each had different compensation, governance, and culture.