Squire Sanders merge is the "next chapter" for Hammonds
There is “always the possibility of further expansion” for the newly formed law firm, Squire Sanders Hammonds. That’s according to Squire Sanders’ managing partner for Europe, Peter Crossley, who spoke to Insider following the merger of Birmingham-based Hammonds with US firm Squire Sanders Dempsey.
The merger between the two has now been finalised, creating a global legal practice of about 1,275 lawyers working in 37 offices across the world.
Crossley said that the new firm would not rule out further expansion, but wanted to concentrate “on ensuring that the whole team is fully integrated first”.
Crossley, Hammonds’ former managing partner, said that the driving force behind the merger was to become a global firm.
“The main point is globalisation – we want to increase our presence worldwide, which is now possible through a global organisation. Globalisation is an unstoppable force; this is the next chapter in our international development”.
Talks of a merger between Squire Sanders and Hammonds were announced in August and partners from each legacy firm approved the combination in November.
Squire Sanders will be among the top 25 legal practices based on The American Lawyer’s “2010 Global 100” and among the 15 largest US-based legal practices based on The National Law Journal’s “NLJ 250.”
James J. Maiwurm, Squire Sanders chair 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."
Crossley will now join Squire Sanders’ new global board. The board includes eight legacy Squire Sanders partners and five legacy Hammonds partners.
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.
“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,” added Crossley.
