A new global law firm, ‘Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’ LLP

The combined firm, with revenues of over USD900 million, will be led by co-chairs Therese Pritchard and Lisa Mayhew. The latest merger will go live in April 2018.

Following a vote today by the Partnerships of both Bryan Cave LLP and Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) LLP the two firms have announced they will merge, officially launching in April 2018. The new firm will be called Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner with combined revenues of over USD900 million. The merger brings together two organisations widely recognised for their innovative approaches to client service, into one global, fully-financially integrated law firm. Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner will provide clients with access to international practice and sector teams in 32 offices across 11 countries and a platform of approximately 1,600 lawyers.

Clients of the combined firm will have access to broader and deeper legal services including: one of the most active global M&A practices; the world’s 4th largest real estate practice; an international financial services practice present in all of the world’s largest financial centres; and an international litigation and corporate risk practice. Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner will also have a range of other international industry sector and specialist offerings including: Cyber and Data Security; Energy Natural Resources; Food & Agritech; Hospitality; International Corporate Tax; Retail; Private Wealth; Sports and Entertainment; and Technology.

Both legacy firms have a strong track record in innovation. Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner will combine its legal operations, consultancy and technology resources globally to provide clients with access to solutions including: ‘BCXponent’; ‘Practice Economics’ and ‘Streamline’.

The new combined firm will be led by co-chairs Therese Pritchard and Lisa Mayhew.

“Our combination is rooted in a shared determination to do something fresh and different for clients,” commented Lisa Mayhew, managing partner of BLP. “Clients will benefit from our combined legal expertise; our shared values and culture and our approach to innovation in their interests. Different to most other international firms, ours will be fully financially integrated from Day one. This will enable us to work in teams whose only focus will be to provide a first-class service to clients.”

“This merger will result in an expanded presence and set of service offerings in key markets around the world and accelerate our utilisation of technology and innovation to redefine efficiency and value in the practice of law,” said Therese Pritchard, chair of Bryan Cave. “Both firms have long traditions of building strong relationships – both with clients and within our firms. This legacy is reflected in shared values, including a core belief that our greatest asset is our people and our greatest responsibility is to our clients.”