A&O Shearman Reveals First Partner Promotions
In a joint announcement, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling have revealed the inaugural partner promotions for the merged entity, A&O Shearman. A total of 40 partners have been appointed to the partnership by their respective current firms. Of these, A&O has elected 32 partners, while Shearman has elected eight, reflecting the relative sizes and geographic footprints of the two firms. These newly appointed partners are set to join the A&O Shearman partnership upon the completion of the merger on May 1, 2024.
The promotions span across 15 different offices located in 11 countries. Notably, there have been 13 promotions in the United States, nine in the United Kingdom, 13 across Continental Europe, one in the Middle East, and four in Asia.
Arash Koozehkanani (pictured), hailing from Allen & Overy’s Middle East disputes practice, has been elected partner from the MENA region. With over 8 years of experience in the region, Koozehkanani brings extensive expertise in advising and participating in complex and high-value international arbitration and commercial litigation proceedings across various sectors and jurisdictions. His focus areas include disputes related to financial products and services. Koozehkanani has been actively involved in arbitrations conducted under international and local institutional rules, including the ICC, LCIA, DIFC-LCIA, and ADCCAC, as well as in DIFC and English court proceedings. He has represented numerous financial institutions, multinational clients, and UAE and GCC state-owned entities, possessing rights of audience in both the DIFC and English courts.
Khalid Garousha, interim managing partner at A&O said:
“We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional group of lawyers to the A&O Shearman partnership. I am also pleased that 42% of those promoted across both firms are women, in line with our goal of increasing diversity. These partners will bring a wealth of expertise to our soon-to-be merged firm, providing exceptional service to our clients in the world’s most dynamic markets.”
Adam Hakki, senior partner at Shearman, said:
“I would like to congratulate this exceptionally talented group of lawyers on their promotions. They each have an outstanding track record of delivering for our clients and the firm, and they are a fitting group to be the first new partner class of A&O Shearman. The diversity, geographical breadth and range of expertise of these outstanding professionals demonstrates the quality and depth of the combined firm around the world. I am confident they will continue to accomplish great things and will be wonderful partners in every respect.”
