In a bold move announced in November 2025, Perkins Coie revealed its plans for a transatlantic merger with Ashurst, aiming to catapult into the top echelons of the Am Law 100. However, the merger's approach has sparked significant discord within Perkins Coie, leading to a potential crisis as partners begin to exit the firm.

Sources close to the firm report a significant number of Perkins Coie partners are exploring new opportunities, with at least 22 already departing from the Seattle headquarters. The discontent stems from the perceived top-down communication of the merger details, with little to no consultation with partners. This lack of inclusion has led to feelings of disenfranchisement and has partners voting with their feet.

A recruiter highlighted the ongoing dissatisfaction, noting, "We are talking to Perkins partners, and we are going to be seeing more defections. My sense is that the way the merger was presented was not ideal; partners felt they were not given a choice."

Internally, the sentiment is even more stark. One partner described the merger as "a monumental f— up," criticizing the management's failure to adequately discuss the merger plans across the partnership. This partner, among others, views the merger with Ashurst as a dilution of the Perkins Coie brand, sparking what some call lateral "window shopping" as long-time firm members look for alternatives.

In response to the growing unrest and the risk of losing more partners, Perkins Coie is reportedly considering the introduction of retention bonuses. These would be structured as two-year contracts with financial penalties for early departure, although they have yet to be discussed openly with partners.

As the merger's finalization looms, the tension underscores a broader issue of partner agency and confidence in firm leadership. While the external communications might paint an optimistic picture, the internal reality suggests a firm grappling with significant strategic and personnel challenges.

This merger, intended to strengthen the firm's market position, is now a litmus test for Perkins Coie's internal cohesion and leadership acumen. Whether these retention bonuses will be enough to stanch the flow of departures remains to be seen as the third-quarter deadline for the merger approaches.