In a landscape where corporate mergers often trigger a flurry of exits, the imminent union of McDermott Will & Emery and Schulte Roth & Zabel appears to be an exception. Ira Coleman, Chair of McDermott Will & Emery, assured that the upcoming merger, scheduled to finalize on August 1, has not prompted the anticipated turnover typically seen in such significant transitions.

"We really have had no departures that were related to the merger," Coleman stated in an interview with the American Lawyer. He emphasized that any recent staff movements were part of the usual ebb and flow within big law firms, dismissing concerns that the merger might be causing unrest among the ranks. According to Coleman, such stability is a sign of confidence and a positive reaction from the partnerships at both firms regarding the merger.

Recruiters often view mergers as prime opportunities to poach talent, hoping to capitalize on uncertainty and potential dissatisfaction. However, Coleman noted, "Recruiters use that as an opportunity to shake people loose, which is part of their business. If they are good at it, they try to create action. But nothing happened." This calm suggests a seamless integration process and a shared vision among the firms' leadership and their lawyers.

Despite the smooth internal handling of the merger, Coleman revealed that final decisions are still pending on key leadership roles and the logistical setup of their combined Manhattan offices. As these two prestigious firms blend into what will be known as McDermott Will & Schulte, the legal community watches closely, anticipating the strategic advantages such a combination might yield.

This merger is notable not just for its scale but also for the apparent ease with which it is being received internally, setting a precedent for how future law firm mergers might aspire to proceed. With both firms maintaining stability in their ranks, they seem well-positioned to face the challenges and opportunities this merger will undoubtedly bring.