Partners from US-based Squire, Sanders & Dempsey LLP and UK-based Hammonds LLP have approved a combination agreement that creates a new global legal practice, which will take effect on 1 January 2011. With approximately 1,275 lawyers in 37 offices and 17 countries, the new entity – Squire Sanders – will be among the top 25 global legal practices based on number of lawyers. The firm, which will operate as a Swiss Verein, will be governed by a 13-person global board elected by the partners. Squire Sanders chair James J. Maiwurm is to assume the role of global chief executive officer and chair, whilst Hammonds managing partner Peter Crossley will take on the position of managing partner for Europe.

Commenting on the agreement, Maiwurm said, “The pace of the business world is accelerating. Clients expect their law firms to embrace change and seize opportunity even in a challenging business climate. We hear our clients and know they consider cost-effective global counsel the norm, not the exception. The combination of our firms is designed for the times and positioned for the future.” Crossley added, “Clients currently working with lawyers from both legacy firms are enthusiastic about the combination’s expanded practice expertise, industry knowledge, regional strength and global reach. We are delighted to report that clients’ reactions reflect what we concluded after we began discussions with Squire Sanders. Simply put, we are better together.”

The combined legal practice – which will operate under the Squire Sanders & Dempsey brand in the US and Eastern Europe, and as Squire Sanders Hammonds in the UK, Europe and Asia – will have additional depth in key practice areas, including corporate/corporate finance, litigation and arbitration, insolvency and restructuring, real estate, regulatory, labor and employment, environmental, intellectual property, pensions and tax. Industry expertise will expand in segments such as energy and utilities, chemicals, media, sports and entertainment, financial services and banking, maritime and information technology. The resources of the combined firms will span Asia with capability in Tokyo and additional strength in China that includes Shanghai and expanded offices in Beijing and Hong Kong.

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