Hogan & Hartson, Lovells In Early Merge Talks: Report

By Pete Brush

Law360, New York (October 08, 2009) -- Washington-based Hogan & Hartson LLP and United Kingdom-based Lovells are in the first stages of merger talks, according to a report. Such a merger, if it took place, would result in a global behemoth with some 2,600 lawyers to its name.

A Lovells spokeswoman declined to discuss any specifics Thursday but said the firm, which has more than 3,000 employees in 28 offices across the globe, has “recently been taking a closer look at market developments and the opportunities that we believe are available to us.”

“In the U.S., we have to date been focused on providing a clearly defined range of services that reflect our international strengths and it is no secret that any significant expansion beyond that would require a major strategic move," the Lovells spokeswoman said.

"We are not in a position to comment further and are not going to start naming or confirming individual firms or the nature or progress of any discussions we might be having with them," the Lovells spokeswoman added.

Lovells currently employees more than 1,500 lawyers and Hogan & Hartson employs more than 1,100 lawyers.

Hogan & Hartson was similarly circumspect on Thursday.

"It is well known that we are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality advice and service on their most important matters globally. Beyond that, we don't comment one way or the other on particular initiatives unless we have something definitive to report," a firm spokesman said.

News of the potential tie-up was first reported on Thursday by the London-based Legal Week, which said top brass at the firms would meet Oct. 28 on the matter.

Hogan & Hartson chairman J. Warren Gorrell Jr. told the National Law Journal on Thursday that the firm needs to focus on expansion.

The third quarter brought an increase in law firm mergers, but firms remain wary about assuming others' problems in the midst of a still-rebounding economy, according to a newly published report from consulting firm Altman Weil Inc.

During the third quarter, there were 13 law firm mergers, a marked increase from the seven deals recorded in the previous quarter.

In 2008, a total of 70 law firm mergers were reported, with 18 in the first quarter, 26 in the second quarter, and 13 apiece in the third and fourth quarters.

--Additional reporting by Anne Urda