Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader merger approved
The proposed combination to create Hogan Lovells Cadwalader has been approved by partner vote, paving the way for a global financial platform with integrated regulatory and litigation capabilities serving key G20 markets, including New York and London.
Deal structure
The merger brings together Hogan Lovells — a firm with recognized expertise in highly regulated sectors including corporate and M&A, regulatory, intellectual property, and litigation — with Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft’s market capabilities in finance, structured products, and capital markets
With approximately 3,100 lawyers across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC, Hogan Lovells Cadwalader will rank among the world’s firms by revenue and size. The combination will create the second-largest firm in Washington D.C., one of the 10 largest in London, and one of the top 25 in New York. The firm will also have one of the largest offices of any major firm in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“We are creating a firm with the expertise necessary to advise clients on their most complex matters throughout the G20,” said Miguel Zaldivar, CEO of Hogan Lovells, who will serve as CEO of Hogan Lovells Cadwalader. “Over recent months we have held conversations with clients, partners, associates, and business teams, and these conversations have emphatically confirmed the strategic approach that inspired this combination.”
Both firms enter the combination from a position of strength, having closed solid financial years.
Leadership and governance
The firm will be led by partners from both firms, reflecting the integrated transatlantic model and collaborative culture of Hogan Lovells Cadwalader. Four Cadwalader partners will join the 21-member International Management Committee, and two will join the 13-member Board following completion of the combination.
Patrick Quinn, co-managing partner of Cadwalader, will assume the role of Global Managing Partner for Client and Practice Integration. Wesley Misson, co-managing partner of Cadwalader, will serve as Global Managing Partner of the Finance practice. “Clients have told us they want integrated teams that collaborate across practices and offices, delivering comprehensive advice vital to their business,” Misson noted. “This is especially relevant for those executing complex financing and transaction operations along the New York-London axis.”
Additional Cadwalader partners assuming leadership roles include:
Angela Batterson, partner in Cadwalader’s Fund Finance group and member of the firm’s Management Committee, will join the Board of Hogan Lovells Cadwalader.
Holly Chamberlain, co-chair of Cadwalader’s Finance group and head of the Real Estate Finance practice, will also join the Board and serve as co-head of the Real Estate practice area.
Stuart Goldstein, co-chair of Cadwalader’s Capital Markets practice, managing partner of the Charlotte office, will be appointed Deputy Regional Managing Partner for the Americas and co-head of the Structured Finance and Derivatives practice area.
William Mills, chair of Cadwalader’s Corporate group, will serve as Office Managing Partner for New York.
Tim Hicks, co-head of Cadwalader’s Fund Finance group, will be Office Managing Partner for Charlotte.
Market context
Following completion of the merger, New York will become the fifth engine of the combined firm, alongside London, Washington D.C., Germany, and FRIS (the France, Italy, and Spain region).
Both firms share historical legacies and complementary client portfolios. As Wall Street’s oldest law firm, Cadwalader has advised clients for more than 230 years and is recognized for helping shape the evolution of modern finance. It was the first Wall Street firm to open an office in Charlotte 30 years ago. Hogan Lovells has advised clients in Washington D.C. for more than 120 years, in London for more than 125 years, and in Germany for more than 135 years.
