Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin merge to create a global legal giant

Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin announced today their plan to merge and create one of the world’s leading law firms, which will operate under the name Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer. This merger will integrate more than 2,700 lawyers, including 640 partners, across 25 offices worldwide, placing it among the top 20 law firms by employee count and in the top 20 globally by revenue.

Image: Eduardo Soler Tappa, managing partner Madrid.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (HSF Kramer)

The merged firm will be known globally as Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, while in the United States it will use the abbreviation HSF Kramer. From its launch, it will operate as a fully integrated firm, sharing a unified global benefits structure and featuring a robust team of 120 partners in the U.S., positioning it as a strong player in the international legal market.

This merger will leverage the strengths and global reach of both firms to provide top-tier services in complex transactions and critical disputes. Herbert Smith Freehills’ extensive presence in Asia, Australia, EMEA, and the UK, combined with Kramer Levin’s prestige in New York, Washington D.C., and Silicon Valley, will establish Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer as one of the world’s leading global law firms.

The combined firm projects revenues exceeding $2 billion, establishing a powerful platform for new investments and future expansions. This merger will accelerate its growth in the United States in key sectors such as energy, financial services, infrastructure, mining, and technology, where Herbert Smith Freehills is already a leader.

Furthermore, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer will expand its service offering with top expertise in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, private equity, real estate, corporate crime investigations, and international arbitration. This union enables the firm to provide comprehensive and specialized solutions for clients on critical global matters.

Shared Commitment and Common Values

The strong cultural alignment and shared vision between both firms will strengthen the new firm’s ability to attract and retain top talent. Rebecca Maslen-Stannage, Chair of Herbert Smith Freehills, described the merger as “transformative” and noted that “Kramer Levin is the ideal partner to expand our U.S. presence.”

Paul H. Schoeman, Co-Managing Partner of Kramer Levin, highlighted the close cultural and core value alignment between both firms, including their commitment to diversity, pro bono work, and collaboration as the key to providing the best client service.

The merger is subject to approval by the partners of both firms, as well as other standard closing conditions.