The firms have presented a proposal to their Partners and will run their internal processes concurrently with a formal vote by both partnerships likely to take place before year-end. A new entity called Eversheds Sutherland, overseen by a global Board and with equal representation from each firm, would be created by this transaction. 

The rationale for the proposed transaction is driven by a shared vision of providing clients with high-quality, consistent and coordinated service around the globe. Across Eversheds and Sutherland, there are more than 2,300 lawyers with a global footprint spanning 61 offices in 29 countries. 

Both firms appreciate that there will be interest in the subject but it would be inappropriate to comment further until discussions with each firm’s partnership have concluded.

Eversheds Chief Executive, Bryan Hughes, commented:

“Eversheds has an exceptionally strong reputation for international client service and our strategic ambition is to provide a high quality offering and a single legal solution to clients wherever they are required globally. Joining forces with Sutherland will give each firm’s clients a global platform and we will be discussing the proposal with our Partners positively in the coming weeks.”

Sutherland Managing Partner, Mark Wasserman, commented:

“As our clients continue to pursue many of the most important and complex business opportunities around the world, our attorneys continue to seek ways to enhance the firm’s long standing tradition of providing clients with the highest quality service and innovative solutions. We look forward to discussions over the next few weeks about the opportunities this transaction will bring to our clients.”