Allen & Overy (A&O) and Shearman & Sterling (Shearman) have announced the first partner promotions for the combined firm, A&O Shearman. A total of 40 partners have been elected to the partnership by their current respective firms. A&O elected 32 partners and Shearman elected eight, consistent with the relative size of the two firms and their geographic footprints. They will join the A&O Shearman partnership upon the merger closing on May 1, 2024.
The promotions have been made across 15 different offices in 11 countries. In total, there were 13 promotions in the United States, nine in the United Kingdom, 13 across Continental Europe, one in The Middle East and four in Asia.
For Belgium, the elected partner is Axel de Backer, who works in the firm's Banking & Finance practice.
Khalid Garousha, interim managing partner at A&O said:
"We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional group of lawyers to the A&O Shearman partnership. I am also pleased that 42% of those promoted across both firms are women, in line with our goal of increasing diversity. These partners will bring a wealth of expertise to our soon-to-be merged firm, providing exceptional service to our clients in the world’s most dynamic markets.”
Adam Hakki, senior partner at Shearman, said:
“I would like to congratulate this exceptionally talented group of lawyers on their promotions. They each have an outstanding track record of delivering for our clients and the firm, and they are a fitting group to be the first new partner class of A&O Shearman. The diversity, geographical breadth and range of expertise of these outstanding professionals demonstrates the quality and depth of the combined firm around the world. I am confident they will continue to accomplish great things and will be wonderful partners in every respect.”
