21 December, 2016
Eversheds and Sutherland partners have voted overwhelmingly to combine, advancing the firms’ shared goal of providing clients with the highest quality service consistently around the globe.
The two firms announced on 29th November that they were in discussions about a potential combination. The firms’ consultation and voting process concluded simultaneously on 16th December with exceptionally strong approval from the respective Partnerships.
The firms will become equal members in the new entity with effect from 1st February 2017 and will do business around the world as Eversheds Sutherland. This entity will be led by joint CEOs as part of a six-strong global management team, overseen by a global Board of ten with equal representation from both firms. There are no significant internal structural changes anticipated within either firm and respective practice group heads will work together to co-lead client initiatives.
Across Eversheds Sutherland, there are 2,300 lawyers with a global footprint spanning 61 offices in 29 countries. The combination will put Eversheds Sutherland in the UK’s top 10 and in the top 40 in U.S. and global listings.
Eversheds Chief Executive, Bryan Hughes, commented:
“Our strategic desire to have a platform in the U.S. has long been public record. The challenge has been finding the right firm, particularly one that shares the same vision as us and is a strong cultural fit. In Sutherland, we have found that firm. Eversheds Sutherland will give each firm’s clients a truly global platform, including strong U.S. coverage. The feedback from colleagues and clients has been overwhelmingly positive, with many opportunities already identified, and we are very confident that this will be a great outcome for our clients and our people.”
Sutherland Managing Partner, Mark Wasserman, commented:
"With this exciting combination, we will be able to offer clients of both firms the highest quality service and support around the world for their most important business opportunities. Over the past months, we have had the opportunity to get to know our colleagues at Eversheds well. Both firms are focused on providing innovative, effective and efficient service in a changing global environment while maintaining cultures that value diversity, involvement in our communities and the importance of caring for our people. We look forward to building on the success of both firms as we work together for the future benefit of our clients and colleagues."
