Ashurst and Perkins Coie have announced a planned combination to create a top-20 global law firm named Ashurst Perkins Coie.
The combination will unite two firms with complementary geographic footprints, capabilities, and cultures to create a globally integrated firm with deep sector and practice expertise that is relentlessly focused on the success of its clients.
Perkins Coie brings leading technology sector capability and deep corporate, litigation, and intellectual property expertise, along with highly-regarded privacy, fintech, environmental and life sciences practices. Ashurst, known for excellence in legal innovation, has an established global presence with strength in complex cross-border transactions and expertise in the energy and infrastructure, financial services and real estate sectors.
Ashurst Perkins Coie’s footprint will span 52 offices in 23 countries, with flagship hubs in Seattle, London, Sydney and New York, and deep expertise in major financial centers including Brussels, Dubai, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Paris, Seoul, Shenzhen, Singapore and Tokyo.
In a statement, the firms said that both Perkins Coie and Ashurst have delivered strong financial performance in recent years that each has leveraged to invest in industry-leading technology and AI systems that enhance their advisory capabilities. Ashurst Perkins Coie, with the combined financial strength of both firms, will leverage the power of AI to transform the practice of law and help clients harness it effectively to accelerate their growth.
Ashurst Perkins Coie will be led by Bill Malley and Paul Jenkins as global co-CEOs, ensuring continuity of leadership as the combined firm enters its next phase of growth. Karen Davies of Ashurst and Brian Eiting of Perkins Coie will be co-chairs of the combined firm. Mark Birnbaum, the current chair of Perkins Coie’s executive committee, whose regular term expires at the end of 2025, will continue serving in that role through closing.
The proposed combination is subject to customary closing conditions, including a vote of the partners at each firm. The deal is expected to close in late 2026.
