Elite London-based Biglaw firms — A&O Shearman, Clifford Chance, Freshfields, Linklaters, and Slaughter and May — have been referred to as members of the “Magic Circle” for about 25 years, but it seems that the magic has simply lost its luster over the years. Alas, referring to one of these firms as being part of the “Magic Circle” is apparently now a “sign of lazy journalism,” according to City AM’s Eyes on the Law column.
It seems that partners at many of these firms may be trying to cast a spell to make that naming convention magically disappear, in favor of a new, even more prestigious title.
Back in 2021, Freshfields was one of the first of the Magic Circle firms to attempt to abracadabra the association away, thanks to the firm’s steady growth in the US. Over the years, other firms have done the same, and now they’d like to reap the rewards. City AM has the details:
The push from Freshfields, Linklaters, Clifford Chance, and A&O is to establish a foothold in the US market, each doing its way. A&O opted for a merger with the US law firm Shearman & Sterling, while the others chose new offices and filled them with people who have names in the market.
However, part of Freshfields, Linklaters, Clifford Chance and A&O Sherman’s strategy is to appease a US audience. Last September, Freshfields unveiled its rebrand, which included dropping its German name’ Bruckhaus Deringer’.
So, what’s the new title partners at these firms are hoping to adopt? Get your wands ready, because per City AM, they’ve reportedly been thinking of referring to themselves as members of the “Global Elite.” Maybe these Magic Circle firms can cast a spell and see if it works….
Hocus pocus, alakazam, sim sala bim, presto change-o! Best of luck to the would-be Global Elite as they attempt to saw their old moniker in half!
‘Magic Circle’ law firms trying to distance themselves from the prestigious phrase [City AM]
Staci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Bluesky, X/Twitter, and Threads, or connect with her on LinkedIn.
