Hammonds seals US merger

LAW firm Hammonds has completed its deal to merge with US practice Squire Sanders & Dempsey.

The combined firm will have 1,275 lawyers working in 37 offices throughout the world.

James Maiwurm, Squire Sanders chairman and global chief executive officer, said: “This combination, which dramatically expands our global practice, ensures that Squire Sanders will keep stride with our clients, who we know need to stay a step ahead to take full advantage of opportunities and remain competitive in this era of rapid economic change.”

The combination talks between Squire Sanders and Hammonds were announced in August, and partners from each legacy firm overwhelmingly approved the combination in November.

Squire Sanders’ new global board includes eight legacy Squire Sanders partners and five legacy Hammonds partners, including former Hammonds managing partner Peter Crossley, who now is Squire Sanders’ managing partner for Europe.

The practice will be known as Squire, Sanders & Dempsey in most markets around the globe and as Squire Sanders Hammonds in nine legacy Hammonds markets such as this country.

Mr Crossley said: “We believe this combination is a catalyst for lasting positive change for us and for the clients we serve. We are off to a very strong start, in terms of both providing clients with expanded service in more key business markets and working as a united practice.”