Hogan Lovells, Cadwalader Merge to Form Global Legal Giant

In a landmark consolidation within the global legal services sector, Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft have officially combined, creating a formidable new entity named Hogan Lovells Cadwalader (HLC). This strategic union, finalized on July 1st, 2026, brings together two venerable institutions with deep roots in international law, aiming to deliver unparalleled expertise across major economic centers.

The newly formed HLC boasts an impressive scale, housing over 3,200 legal professionals across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions. With a projected annual turnover exceeding $3.6 billion USD, the firm operates from more than 18 countries, featuring over 900 partners. Key strategic hubs for growth are identified as London, Washington D.C., New York, Germany, and the FRIS region (France, Italy, and Spain), underscoring a commitment to serving clients in critical global markets.

Miguel A. Zaldivar, Jr., formerly the CEO of Hogan Lovells and now at the helm of HLC, emphasized the significance of this merger. He stated, "This launch marks a pivotal moment, uniting two established institutions renowned for legal excellence. We are building upon these strong foundations while proactively addressing the evolving demands of clients who require sophisticated guidance through complex challenges in leading G20 economies." This sentiment is echoed by Pat Quinn, HLC's Global Managing Partner for client and practice integration, who highlighted the meticulous approach taken to ensure seamless client benefit from day one.

The integration is particularly poised to enhance capabilities in finance and technology. Wes Misson, Global Managing Partner for the Finance Practice at HLC and former co-managing partner at Cadwalader, noted, "Our global platform, built on best practices from world-leading financial centers, connects capital allocators with entities seeking funding for innovation and expansion." Furthermore, HLC is set to accelerate its leadership in AI-driven legal services, leveraging Hogan Lovells' proprietary chatbot, CRAIG, which already supports a substantial user base, and its joint venture, ELTEMATE.

This merger represents a significant development in an industry characterized by increasing globalization and specialization. The legal sector has seen a trend towards consolidation to achieve greater scale, broader geographic reach, and enhanced service offerings, particularly in complex cross-border transactions and regulatory environments. The combined entity's deep expertise in areas such as structured finance, securitization, M&A, and real estate, coupled with a robust international footprint, positions HLC to capture a larger share of high-value legal work.

The historical lineage of both firms adds significant weight to the new entity. Hogan Lovells itself was formed from the 2010 merger of Hogan & Hartson and the historic British firm Lovells. Cadwalader, established in 1792, is one of Wall Street's oldest firms, instrumental in shaping structured finance and derivatives markets. This rich heritage, combined with a forward-looking strategy, aims to provide clients with a comprehensive and integrated legal support system, especially for those navigating intricate international markets like Italy, where Hogan Lovells has a long-standing presence.