Winston & Strawn and Taylor Wessing UK to Combine, Creating a Premier Transatlantic Law Firm

Breaking: Winston & Strawn and Taylor Wessing UK to Merge, Form Winston Taylor

London / Global A landmark cross‑border agreement was announced today as winston & Strawn and Taylor Wessing UK reveal plans to unite as a single firm under the new name Winston Taylor. The deal aims to deliver seamless US-UK-EU counsel for clients navigating capital, innovation, and complex deals.

What’s happening now

the two international firms said the combination will create a premier transatlantic law firm with a unified client service approach and end‑to‑end capabilities across jurisdictions. The merger is subject to partner votes and regulatory approvals, with completion anticipated in May 2026. Until closing, both firms will continue to operate independently.

Leadership, structure and governance

Upon completion, London will serve as a key hub for Winston Taylor, aligning Winston & Strawn’s global strength with Taylor Wessing UK’s deep European footprint. the current Winston & Strawn chairman will keep leading the combined entity as Chairman, while Taylor Wessing UK’s managing partner will become Europe and Middle East Managing Partner for Winston Taylor and join the Executive Committee.The leadership team will steer an integrated platform focused on litigation, transactions, intellectual property, and private wealth.

Geography, scale and client focus

The merged firm will boast more than 1,400 lawyers and operate from 20 offices, spanning the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. Core markets include the United States,United Kingdom,Europe,and beyond,with a pronounced emphasis on technology,life sciences,financial services,and private wealth. A notable feature is the planned cross‑border IP platform, combining Taylor Wessing’s UK-EU IP strength with Winston & Strawn’s U.S. litigation leadership.

key facts about Winston Taylor

The combination will bring together two firms with a long, shared history of client service, innovation, and global reach. As part of the agreement, Taylor Wessing’s Netherlands and Belgium offices will operate under the Winston Taylor brand, creating a cohesive Benelux presence within the broader firm. When fully integrated, the firm will offer end‑to‑end capabilities across corporate, private equity, real estate, finance, antitrust, regulatory, and private wealth, along with a robust IP platform.

Timeline for completion

Completion is targeted for May 2026, subject to partner votes and regulatory approvals.In the interim, the two firms will continue to operate as distinct entities, preserving current client teams and relationships.Post‑close, the combined firm will pursue a cooperation and referral framework with Taylor Wessing verein to ensure continuity of client support.

Notes to editors (Context and background)

Winston & Strawn, founded in 1853, is a leading Am Law 50 firm with roughly 1,000 lawyers across multiple offices globally. Taylor Wessing UK,established in 1782,is a top 20 UK law firm with a strong reputation in intellectual property,life sciences,technology,and private wealth. Taylor Wessing the Netherlands and Belgium currently bring together Amsterdam, Eindhoven, and Brussels under a unified Benelux practice.

Table: At a glance

Aspect	Details
New firm name	Winston Taylor
Combined lawyers	More than 1,400
Offices	Amsterdam, Brussels, Cambridge, Charlotte, chicago, Dallas, Dubai, Dublin, Eindhoven, Houston, Liverpool, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paris, San francisco, São Paulo, Silicon Valley, Washington DC
Target completion	May 2026
Netherlands & Belgium	Move to Winston Taylor branding
Key sectors	Technology, life sciences, financial services, private wealth

Evergreen insights for the long term

Industry observers say the move reflects growing client demand for seamless cross‑border advisory in a rapidly digitizing, capital‑dense economy. By pairing Winston & Strawn’s litigation and transactional prowess with Taylor Wessing’s UK-EU IP and regulatory strength, Winston Taylor aims to offer a unified platform that can respond to multi‑jurisdictional deals, complex disputes, and technology‑driven growth. As regulatory and geopolitical environments evolve, large transatlantic firms increasingly prioritize integrated teams, scalable platforms, and standardized processes to deliver predictable service across markets.

Two strategic questions for clients: (1) Which practice areas will gain the most from a single transatlantic platform? (2) How might closer collaboration between US‑ and EU‑based teams impact cross‑border pricing, staffing, and risk management?

What this means for clients

For corporate deals, litigation strategy, and IP enforcement, Winston Taylor promises a unified approach that spans the major commercial centers. Clients can anticipate coordinated multi‑jurisdictional guidance, faster mobilization of cross‑border teams, and more efficient handling of complex regulatory matters.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a formal press release and is subject to regulatory approvals and partner votes.

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Winston & Strawn and Taylor Wessing UK to Combine, Creating a Premier Transatlantic Law Firm

The legal landscape is shifting dramatically with the announced combination of US-based Winston & Strawn and UK-based taylor Wessing. this strategic alliance, finalized in late 2025, aims to forge a powerhouse transatlantic law firm, significantly bolstering both firms’ capabilities in key practice areas and geographic markets. This move represents a significant trend in the legal industry: consolidation to offer clients broader, more integrated services, especially in a post-Brexit world demanding complex international legal counsel.

The Rationale Behind the Merger: A Deep Dive

Several factors drove this landmark combination. Both Winston & strawn and Taylor Wessing recognized the increasing demand from clients for seamless legal support across the Atlantic.

* Enhanced Global Reach: The merger instantly expands both firms’ footprint, providing a stronger presence in crucial business hubs like London, New York, and beyond.This is particularly vital for multinational corporations navigating complex regulatory environments.

* Complementary Practice Strengths: Winston & Strawn is renowned for its strength in litigation, corporate, and regulatory practices. Taylor Wessing UK brings significant expertise in technology, life sciences, and real estate – areas experiencing rapid growth and requiring specialized legal guidance.

* Synergies in Key Industries: Both firms serve clients in overlapping sectors, including financial services, energy, and healthcare. Combining resources allows for a more comprehensive and integrated service offering within these industries.

* Post-Brexit Considerations: The UK’s departure from the European Union has created new legal complexities for businesses operating in both the UK and the EU. A combined firm is better positioned to advise clients on these evolving challenges.

Key Practice Areas to Watch

The combined firm is expected to be a leader in several key practice areas. Here’s a breakdown of what clients can anticipate:

* Corporate & Finance: Expect a strengthened M&A practice, particularly in cross-border transactions.Both firms have established reputations in advising on complex financial deals.

* Litigation: Winston & Strawn’s formidable litigation team will be augmented by Taylor Wessing’s expertise in dispute resolution, including international arbitration.

* Technology & Intellectual Property: Taylor Wessing’s strong IP practice, particularly in the tech sector, will be a major asset. This is crucial in an era of rapid technological innovation and increasing IP disputes.

* Regulatory Compliance: The combined firm will offer comprehensive regulatory advice,covering areas like data privacy,financial regulation,and anti-trust.

* Real Estate: Taylor Wessing’s established real estate practice will complement Winston & Strawn’s existing capabilities, providing a full-service offering for clients involved in property transactions and development.

Impact on Clients: What to Expect

Clients of both firms can expect several benefits from this combination:

* One-Stop Shop: Access to a broader range of legal expertise under one roof, simplifying the process of finding and managing legal counsel.

* integrated Service Delivery: Seamless collaboration between lawyers in diffrent jurisdictions, ensuring a coordinated and efficient approach to complex legal matters.

* Enhanced Global Viewpoint: Benefit from the combined knowledge and experience of lawyers operating in multiple legal systems.

* Increased Capacity: The larger firm will have greater resources to handle large-scale projects and complex litigation.

* Competitive Pricing: Potential for cost efficiencies through streamlined operations and shared resources.

Leadership and Integration Plans

The integration process is being overseen by a joint leadership team comprised of partners from both firms. Key priorities include:

1. Cultural Integration: Fostering a unified firm culture that leverages the strengths of both organizations.
2. Technology Alignment: Integrating IT systems and knowledge management platforms to facilitate seamless collaboration.
3. Client Communication: Proactively communicating with clients about the integration process and ensuring a smooth transition.
4. Partner Alignment: Ensuring partner buy-in and collaboration to maximize the benefits of the combination.
5. Brand Management: Establishing a consistent brand identity that reflects the combined firm’s values and capabilities.

Recent Legal Industry Trends & Consolidation

This merger isn’t happening in a vacuum. The legal industry has seen a significant wave of consolidation in recent years, driven by factors like globalization, increasing competition, and the need for greater efficiency.

* The Rise of “Bet-the-Company” Litigation: Complex, high-stakes litigation is becoming more common, requiring firms to have deep pockets and specialized expertise.

* Demand for Specialized Expertise: Clients are increasingly seeking lawyers with niche skills in areas like cybersecurity,data privacy,and ESG (Environmental,Social,and Governance) issues.

* Technological Disruption: The legal tech industry is rapidly evolving, forcing firms to invest in new technologies to remain competitive.

* Pressure on Profit Margins: Increased competition and rising costs are putting pressure on law firm profitability,driving the need for greater efficiency and scale.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Transatlantic Legal services

The Winston & Strawn and Taylor Wessing UK combination signals a new era in transatlantic legal services. This move is likely to inspire further consolidation within the industry, as firms seek to build scale, expand their geographic reach, and offer clients a more comprehensive and integrated service offering. The resulting competition will ultimately benefit clients, driving innovation and improving the quality of legal services. The focus will be on firms that can demonstrate a