What's Happening?
Winston & Strawn, a prominent Chicago-based law firm, and Taylor Wessing, a UK-based firm, have announced a merger to create a transatlantic legal entity. The merger, which was formalized on December 15, 2025, is seen as a strategic move to enhance both firms' market presence and capabilities. Stephen D’Amore, chair of Winston & Strawn, and Shane Gleghorn, managing partner of Taylor Wessing UK, initiated the merger talks earlier this year, recognizing synergies between their firms. The combined entity will boast 1,400 lawyers and is projected to generate approximately $1.75 billion in revenue, ranking it as the 31st largest law firm by revenue according to recent American Lawyer rankings. The merger is set to be voted on by both firms' partnerships
at the end of the next month, with completion expected by May 2026.
Why It's Important?
This merger is significant as it reflects a growing trend of consolidation in the legal industry, driven by modest demand growth for legal services. By combining resources, Winston & Strawn and Taylor Wessing aim to enhance their competitive edge, particularly in key areas such as major litigation, strategic transactions, and intellectual property. The merger will provide both firms with expanded access to US and European markets, aligning with their strategic goals. For clients, the merger promises a more integrated service offering across the Atlantic, catering to global operations in critical sectors like technology, life sciences, and private wealth. This move could set a precedent for further mergers in the legal sector as firms seek to scale and diversify their offerings.
What's Next?
The merger is pending approval from both firms' partnerships, with a vote scheduled for the end of the next month. If approved, the merger will be finalized by May 2026. Leadership roles within the new entity, named Winston Taylor, are being determined, with Stephen D’Amore set to chair the firm and Shane Gleghorn managing operations in Europe and the Middle East. The merger will also see Taylor Wessing's UK-led business exit its current verein structure to integrate with Winston. The combined firm will maintain a referral relationship with the remaining Taylor Wessing verein, ensuring continuity of service for existing clients. The legal industry will be closely watching this merger as a potential model for future consolidations.
