The legal landscape is set to change dramatically as McDermott Will & Emery and Schulte Roth & Zabel officially merge to form McDermott Will & Schulte, a new powerhouse in the industry with a combined revenue of over $2.8 billion. The partnership-wide poll showed overwhelming support for the merger, signaling a robust future for the new entity. Set to be a Top 20 Biglaw firm, the merger will see over 1,750 lawyers working across more than 20 offices worldwide.

Ira Coleman, Chairman of McDermott, expressed enthusiasm about the merger's potential to redefine the modern law firm. "We’re not just expanding our expertise; we’re redefining what it means to be a modern, elite law firm—deeply specialized, relentlessly client-focused, and committed to a people-first culture," he said. This sentiment was mirrored by Schulte’s co-managing partners, Marc Elovitz and David Efron, who highlighted the transformative nature of the merger. Elovitz described the union as combining "extraordinary talent and premier client base with McDermott’s world-class platform," making the firm uniquely capable and unmatched in its offerings.

The newly formed McDermott Will & Schulte will operate under a consolidated name, opting to streamline the brand while honoring both firms' legacies. The integration will proceed in phases to leverage shared strengths and minimize disruptions, as detailed in an announcement by Coleman. The rebranding efforts will introduce new colors, imagery, and designs by early September, though the iconic ‘M’ logo of McDermott will continue to feature prominently.

Coleman also outlined the logistical challenges and strategic efforts involved in merging two large firms. "Combining two firms of our size will take time, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we move forward," he stated, emphasizing the diligent work of functional teams to support ongoing processes and ensure a smooth transition.

With the official merger set to be effective by August 1, the legal community watches eagerly as McDermott Will & Schulte steps into a bold new era, promising innovative legal solutions and a commitment to excellence. The formation of this mega-firm marks a significant moment in the legal sector, potentially setting new standards for service and operations in the competitive landscape of global law practice.