What's Happening?
Winston & Strawn, a U.S.-based law firm headquartered in Chicago, and Taylor Wessing, a UK-based law firm, have announced a merger to form a new transatlantic entity named Winston Taylor. This merger will create a law firm with over 1,400 lawyers operating across the U.S., UK, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. The merger aims to provide a unified team capable of delivering comprehensive legal advice and services across these regions. Steve D’Amore, chairman of Winston & Strawn, will continue as chairman of the combined firm, while Shane Gleghorn, managing partner of Taylor Wessing UK, will serve as managing partner for Europe and the Middle East. The merger is set to officially launch in May 2026, following a period of partner-led
integration. The financial terms of the merger have not been disclosed.
Why It's Important?
The merger between Winston & Strawn and Taylor Wessing is significant as it represents a strategic expansion in the legal industry, enhancing the firms' ability to serve clients with global needs. By combining resources and expertise, the new entity, Winston Taylor, aims to strengthen its presence in major innovation hubs and financial capitals. This move could potentially increase competition in the legal market, particularly in transatlantic legal services, and may prompt other firms to consider similar mergers to remain competitive. Clients of both firms stand to benefit from a broader range of services and expertise, particularly in areas requiring cross-border legal solutions.
What's Next?
Following the merger, the firms will undergo a partner-led integration process to ensure a smooth transition and alignment of operations. The official launch of Winston Taylor is scheduled for May 2026. The firm will also work on integrating operations in the Netherlands and Belgium under the Winston Taylor brand, subject to necessary approvals. Additionally, a cooperation and referral arrangement with the legacy Taylor Wessing verein in Germany and other regions will be established to maintain client services. Stakeholders will be closely monitoring the integration process and the firm's ability to deliver on its promise of enhanced legal services.
