Earlier this year, the two BigLaw firms confirmed that their respective partnerships have voted “overwhelmingly” to combine, thus creating a fully integrated global law firm. The merger, the firms proclaimed at the time, creates “the first truly trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific law firm combination”, which will have “unmatched” bench strength Down Under.

Now, the merger has been successfully completed, with the combined entity to be known as Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer.

The news follows the reappointment of Rebecca Maslen-Stannage as the firm’s chair and senior partner last month.

It also follows the firm’s naming of eight new partners in Australia in April.

Speaking about the launch, Maslen-Stannage said the combined entity is embarking on an “exciting new chapter”.

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“Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer unites two firms with complementary strengths, shared values, and a bold vision for the future. We are delighted by the overwhelmingly positive feedback from our clients and our people. Together, we will focus on our strategic vision and build on this fantastic platform,” she said.

The firm’s global chief executive, Justin D’Agostino, said: “In today’s fast-evolving and uncertain macroeconomic landscape, clients need a truly global law firm with deep local insight across all their key markets. Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional outcomes in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.”

Kristin Stammer, the firm’s executive partner in Australia and Asia, said: “We are very excited about the official start of our combined firm – HSF Kramer – and our expanded platform in the key US market. We are unique in the strength and depth of our trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic offering for our clients.

“The combined local and global bench strength we can now deliver to our clients will be unmatched by our competitors in Australia. The excitement from our clients has been matched by our people. They are now part of one of the world’s top global law firms.”

Maslen-Stannage also said, regarding the firm’s Australian arm, that it knows many of its clients Down Under have strong ties and established operations in the United States, or have growth ambitions in the US.

“We can now provide an elite offering to support our clients in the US on their most critical matters,” she said.

“Our combined firm is aligned in our focus on exceptional quality, outstanding client experience and the importance of our strong high-performing culture.

“From day one, we provide leading capability in the US in M&A, private equity, disputes, restructuring, real estate, IP, and employment. We already have plans to expand our US presence to grow further in areas such as energy, infrastructure, and technology to deliver for our clients.”

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