In a move set to reshape the legal landscape, Cadwalader, Wall Street's most venerable law firm, announced today it will merge with multinational giant Hogan Lovells. The merger, poised to be the largest in the history of law firms, signals a monumental shift for Cadwalader, which has faced challenges and significant lawyer departures throughout the year.

The combined entity, to be known as Hogan Lovells Cadwalader, will boast a staggering roster of approximately 3,100 lawyers globally and anticipates closing the merger in 2026. This union is expected to propel the new firm into the upper echelons of global law practice, positioning it as the world's fifth-largest by revenue with estimated earnings exceeding $3.6 billion.

Financial metrics reveal both firms have operated with comparable revenue per lawyer and average profits per equity partner. In 2024, Hogan Lovells generated $2.964 billion in revenue, while Cadwalader garnered $638.2 million. Despite these disparities, their profitability metrics, such as revenue per lawyer (RPL) and profits per equity partner (PEP), align closely, underscoring the strategic nature of this merger.

Miguel Zaldivar will continue as CEO of the newly formed powerhouse. Cadwalader's leadership, Pat Quinn and Wes Misson, will also assume significant roles, with Quinn focusing on client and practice integration and Misson steering the finance practice globally.

Pat Quinn highlighted the strategic vision behind the merger, stating, "Together, Hogan Lovells Cadwalader will become one of the world's most formidable legal platforms – built to advise clients on the most critical legal and business issues of the moment and transactions that will shape the future."

As the legal community watches closely, the success of this merger could set a precedent for future consolidations in the industry, potentially sparking a wave of similar mergers as firms strive to meet the evolving demands of global business and complex legal services.

The legal and business worlds alike look forward to seeing the impact of this historic merger and the innovative approaches it will bring to tackling some of the most challenging and significant global issues. Best wishes to both Cadwalader and Hogan Lovells as they embark on this promising new venture.