Pepper Hamilton and Reed Smith are discussing a possible merger
Pepper Hamilton and Reed Smith are in preliminary merger talks.
Both law firms confirmed early discussions about a merger, the Legal Intelligencer (sub. req.) reports. Bloomberg Big Law Business was the first to report the news.
Pepper Hamilton said talks are in “early stages,” while Reed Smith said it was engaged in “preliminary discussions.” Both firms said there is much work to be done before partners would be asked to consider a merger.
Reed Smith has 1,620 lawyers in the United States and overseas, while Pepper Hamilton has 490 lawyers throughout the United States. A combined firm would be one of the nation’s 25 largest law firms by revenue, according to Bloomberg Big Law Business.
Frank D’Amore, of Attorney Career Catalysts, told the Legal Intelligencer that the merger would give Pepper Hamilton an international platform. He found Reed Smith’s interest in a potential deal a bit more surprising, but said it could be driven by Pepper Hamilton’s significant health effects litigation practice.
