Partners approve Taylor Wessing merger plan
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Adam Griffiths
A merger deal which will see Taylor Wessing’s Dublin office become part of a new transatlantic law firm called Winston Taylor has been given the go-ahead by partners in the two firms.
The deal between Winston & Strawn LLP and Taylor Wessing’s UK-led business will create one of the world’s largest transatlantic law firms, with more than 1,4000 lawyers in the US, the UK, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.
The UK-led business of Taylor Wessing includes the Irish office opened in 2021 and led by Adam Griffiths.
Steve D’Amore, chairman of Winston & Strawn, will continue as chairman of the new firm, while Taylor Wessing UK’s managing partner, Shane Gleghorn, will serve as managing partner of Europe and the Middle East as well as a member of the executive committee.
“The decisive, overwhelming support from our partnerships reflects a shared passion and commitment to meeting our clients’ desire for a unified team across the Atlantic — one that delivers unparalleled advice and capability in the areas that matter most to them,” Mr D’Amore said.
“Winston Taylor is positioned to provide seamlessly integrated work across borders for the businesses, people, and markets which are driving capital and innovation.”
Mr Gleghorn added: “This combination creates a transatlantic law firm in the major hubs of innovation and capital in the US, Europe, and the Middle East.
“Our clients require a firm with premier teams in those hubs in relation to critical transactions, litigation, IP and private wealth.
“Our partners, therefore, voted in favour of the combination because both firms have an absolute commitment to achieving our clients’ objectives, and that focus will be the foundation of our shared success.”
As part of the combination, Taylor Wessing the Netherlands and Belgium voted to enter an agreement to operate under the Winston Taylor brand.
The firms anticipate that the Netherlands and Belgian regions will, over time and subject to approvals, fully integrate into a single firm with the US and UK operations of Winston Taylor.
Winston Taylor has also agreed to a cooperation and referral arrangement with the legacy Taylor Wessing verein, in Germany and elsewhere, to provide continuous service to clients going forward.
After a period of “partner-led integration”, the combined firm is expected to launch officially in May 2026.
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