It’s June 2, and for the Biglaw community, that means that a new competitor just entered the marketplace. Today marks Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer’s second day of existence, and the brand new firm — formed from the union of Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin — grosses more than $2 billion, with about 2,700 lawyers, including approximately 630 partners. On Day One, the firm has already made some major moves, naming its global executive team.
HSF Kramer’s leadership team leans heavily Herbert Smith Freehills, with five of its six executive partners hailing from the legacy firm. As noted by Law360, one HSF partner will serve as the firm’s global chief executive (Justin D’Agostino), while four other former HSF partners will oversee the following regions and practice areas: Asia and Australia (Kristin Stammer); UK and EMEA (Jeremy Walden); Alison Brown (US growth and strategic integration); and global practice areas (Anna Sutherland). Paul Schoeman, former co-managing partner of Kramer Levin, will oversee the combined firm’s US business. Howard Spilko, Kramer’s former co-managing partner, will serve as global head of private equity and chair of HSF Kramer’s corporate practice in the US.
D’Agostino and Rebecca Maslen-Stannage, chair and senior partner of HSF Kramer, shared some thoughts on the completed merger with Business Wire:
Rebecca Maslen-Stannage, Chair and Senior Partner of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, commented:
“Today we embark on an exciting new chapter. Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer unites two firms with complementary strengths, shared values, and a bold vision for the future. We are delighted by the overwhelmingly positive feedback from our clients and our people. Together, we will focus on our strategic vision and build on this fantastic platform.” …
Justin D’Agostino, Global CEO of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, commented:
“In today’s fast-evolving and uncertain macroeconomic landscape, clients need a truly global law firm with deep local insight across all their key markets. Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional outcomes in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.”
Congratulations to Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer on starting this merger off on the right foot! We can’t wait to see how the firm will shake up the Biglaw market and what next year’s Am Law 100 will look like with the firm’s large presence officially on the board.
HSF, Kramer Levin Go Live With Transatlantic Merger [Law360]
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Officially Launches [Business Wire]
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.
