Overview

A&O Shearman (formally Allen Overy Shearman Sterling LLP) is a multinational law firm formed through the 2024 merger of UK Magic Circle firm Allen & Overy and US firm Shearman & Sterling. The combined firm has close to 4,000 attorneys spread across roughly 48-49 offices worldwide, with operations spanning Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East. It ranks among the largest law firms globally by revenue and headcount.

History

Allen & Overy was established in London in 1930 by George Allen and Thomas Overy, building a commercial legal practice that grew into one of London's leading firms. Shearman & Sterling was founded separately in New York in 1873, developing long-standing relationships with major US corporations and financial institutions. The two firms agreed to merge in May 2023, with the deal approved by over 99% of partners from both sides, and the merger formally completed on 1 May 2024. Since then the firm has restructured its partnership and adjusted its global office footprint, including closing its South African operations.

Customers

The firm advises large corporations, financial institutions, and investment funds on complex, often cross-border matters. Its lawyers collectively advise more than a third of NYSE-listed companies, a fifth of NASDAQ-listed companies, and a notable share of businesses listed on the London, Euronext, Tokyo, and Hong Kong stock exchanges. Clients span sectors including finance, industrials, and consumer goods.

Career Areas

The firm's practice areas include banking and finance, capital markets, corporate and M&A work, and dispute resolution (litigation and arbitration). Historically, the banking department has been central to the firm's growth, and the capital markets team advises on debt and equity offerings including IPOs. The firm also has a public company, corporate governance, employment, and regulatory advisory practice. More recently it has developed legal technology capabilities, including partnerships with AI tools and an in-house contract drafting system. The sources reviewed do not mention a degree apprenticeship scheme specifically, so no programme details are given here.

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