Khalid Garousha and Hervé Ekué, new senior partner and managing partner of A&O Shearman

Allen & Overy (A&O) and Shearman & Sterling (Shearman) have announced the appointment of the first senior managers of the new firm A&O Shearman, which will become operational on May 1, 2024. Additional senior and other management appointments for the new firm will be drawn from both firms and will be announced.

A&O Shearman

Adam Hakki, Shearman’s current senior partner, has been appointed co-chair of A&O Shearman’s board and global executive committee, and will also lead the firm’s U.S. business as its chairman. Adam will continue to actively represent clients in addition to his senior leadership roles.

Doreen Lilienfeld will serve as co-managing partner of the U.S. business and, in addition to this role, will continue to represent clients.

All appointments will be effective May 1, 2024.

Khalid Garousha, senior partner, said, “I am honored that the partnership has placed its confidence in me to lead A&O Shearman as its first senior partner.”

“Working closely with Hervé, Adam, Doreen and other senior managers, as A&O Shearman we will take forward our combined experience and deep legal expertise to achieve unparalleled results for our clients in their increasingly complex legal and commercial challenges, wherever they and we operate in the world.”

Adam Hakki, co-chair of A&O Shearman’s global board and executive committee and chairman of the firm’s U.S. business, said, “I am honored and excited to assume these senior leadership roles for A&O Shearman. I look forward to working closely with our new partners and management team to fulfill our shared vision of an unparalleled elite global law firm focused on providing the highest level of service to clients on their most important matters around the world. I am also pleased that these leadership roles have been designed to allow me to both serve the firm as a leader and actively represent clients in their most significant matters.”

Hervé Ekué, Managing Partner, said, “I look forward to working as Managing Partner of A&O Shearman with Khalid, Adam and Doreen to create an environment that welcomes and values our people and allows them to grow, thrive and flourish as individuals and as part of this transformative new firm.”

Doreen Lilienfeld, co-managing partner of the U.S. business, said, “With A&O Shearman we are creating a new industry leader with truly global capabilities, and being part of this journey is incredibly exciting. We will serve our clients as an integrated global law firm, preeminent in all of our markets, and we will do so with a forward-looking approach to delivering excellence and innovation. I am excited about what lies ahead and the opportunity to play a leadership role in the firm’s growing U.S. business.”

Wim Dejonghe, A&O’s current senior partner, added: “A&O Shearman will bring together some of the world’s top legal talent, while remaining focused on clients, our people and society at large. I am delighted to pass the leadership baton to Khalid, Hervé, Adam and Doreen on May 1, and wish them all every success in their new roles at A&O Shearman.