Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling are due to begin their Partner votes on the proposed merger at the end of September. If approved, the merger will create a mega firm of almost 4,000 attorneys worldwide. Given that the deal would represent a major milestone for a UK firm securing a foothold in the US market, we decided to have a look at what Allen & Overy's presence in the United States could look like if the merger goes ahead.

Magic Circle firms have been growing their US Partner numbers over the last few years. Some faster than others.

Using data from Pirical Legal Professionals we dug into the current headcount of US based Magic Circle Partners and mapped out the potential Partner headcount of A&O Shearman, comparing their improved regional presence to their British rivals.

The figures are based on all current Shearman & Sterling US Partners staying post-merger. However, even if 50% of Shearman's Partners leave between now and the completion of the merger, A&O Shearman will still be the largest Magic Circle firm in the US with around 150 combined Partners.

For context, Shearman & Sterling's Partner attrition rate in the United States over the last 12 months has been 15%.

Texas

Thanks to Shearman & Sterling's 3 offices in Texas, Allen & Overy will gain a new regional presence in the US.

Texas has been a real growth spot among the AM Law 100 over the last few years and Clifford Chance's recent opening of a Houston office (9 Partners) highlights the desire for Magic Circle firms to get in on the action. Allen & Overy's new foothold in the state is likely to overshadow Clifford Chance's presence and given that competition for Texan talent will be tough, gaining Shearman's offices in Houston, Dallas, and Austin could prove to be a huge win for A&O.

California

Allen & Overy and Freshfields are the two Magic Circle firms to have expanded into the Californian market, with both firms opening offices in Silicon Valley in the last few years. Freshfield's 14 Partners currently outweigh Allen & Overy's 8, but should the merger go ahead A&O Shearman would double their Partner numbers in the Bay Area.

Allen & Overy already have a strong presence in California with 6 Partners also in Los Angeles. The addition of Shearman & Sterling's Bay Area based Partners would comfortably give the new firm a clear lead in California as a whole.

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