Landmark merger creates one of the world’s leading law firms with expanded expertise in intellectual property, life sciences, and technology
London, United Kingdom, 30 June 2026 – The global legal industry has entered a new chapter with the official launch of Ashurst Perkins Coie, a newly merged international law firm that brings together the strengths of two well-established legal organizations. The combination marks one of the most significant law firm mergers in recent years and reflects the growing demand for legal services that can support businesses across multiple countries and industries.
The newly formed firm combines the capabilities of Ashurst and Perkins Coie, creating an international legal network with more than 950 partners across 20 countries and a workforce of approximately 3,500 professionals. The firm now operates through 52 offices worldwide, giving clients access to legal expertise across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East.
One of the biggest strengths of the new organization is its broad range of specialist practices. The combined firm has deep expertise in intellectual property, life sciences, technology, trade secrets, commercial litigation, corporate law, energy, infrastructure, and financial services. This wider reach allows businesses to work with a single legal partner for complex matters that span multiple industries and jurisdictions.
As companies continue expanding globally, legal challenges are becoming increasingly complex. Businesses now require advisors who understand international regulations, cross-border transactions, emerging technologies, and intellectual property protection. The merger aims to meet these evolving needs by combining complementary legal capabilities and expanding the firm’s global presence.
Leadership from both organizations believes the new firm is well positioned to support industries driving future economic growth. Technology, artificial intelligence, life sciences, clean energy, infrastructure, and financial services are expected to remain major areas of focus as businesses continue investing in innovation and digital transformation.
Another important aspect of the merger is the firm’s commitment to legal innovation. Both legacy firms have invested heavily in digital tools and artificial intelligence to improve legal research, document management, and client services. By combining these investments, Ashurst Perkins Coie plans to deliver faster, more efficient, and technology-enabled legal solutions while maintaining high standards of professional expertise.
The launch also reflects a broader trend within the global legal industry. As businesses become more interconnected, law firms are increasingly expanding through strategic mergers to provide clients with stronger international coverage and specialized knowledge. Larger global firms can offer consistent legal support across multiple markets while addressing increasingly sophisticated regulatory and commercial challenges.
For clients in sectors such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, manufacturing, and advanced technology, access to integrated intellectual property and commercial legal expertise is becoming increasingly valuable. Protecting innovation, managing patents, securing trade secrets, and navigating international regulations are now essential parts of business growth strategies.
The formation of Ashurst Perkins Coie signals more than the coming together of two respected law firms. It represents a growing focus on global collaboration, specialized expertise, and technology-driven legal services that are designed to meet the changing needs of businesses operating in an increasingly connected world.
