Morgan Lewis Secures Major Expansion with Paris Team Acquisition
A Strategic Move into Paris
Global law firm Morgan, Lewis & Bockius is set to expand its Paris operations by bringing in a 54-lawyer team from Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel. Effective January 1, this move strengthens Morgan Lewis' presence in the European legal market.
Why Now? Kramer Levin’s Merger Creates Opportunity
The acquisition precedes Kramer Levin’s upcoming merger with Herbert Smith Freehills, a global legal leader. Notably, the Paris office of Kramer Levin was excluded from the merger agreement, paving the way for Morgan Lewis to welcome the team.
Leadership Transition at the Paris Office
The transition will see corporate partner Dana Anagnostou and private equity partner Sébastien Pontillo, previously co-leaders of Kramer Levin’s Paris office, join Morgan Lewis. Anagnostou will co-lead the Paris location alongside Sabine Smith-Vidal, the office’s current leader.
“The addition of this exceptional team highlights our commitment to growth and excellence in key global markets,” said Smith-Vidal.
Expanded Legal Expertise
The team joining Morgan Lewis brings extensive capabilities in:
Corporate law, including M&A and private equity
Banking and finance
Regulatory compliance
Employment law
Complex litigation
Post-acquisition, the Paris office will house 110 professionals, including 23 partners, positioning it as a hub for both domestic and cross-border legal matters.
A Look Back at Kramer Levin’s Paris Legacy
Kramer Levin’s Paris office has a storied history, originating in 1999 with a group of lawyers from Rogers & Wells. This experienced team has been a pivotal part of Kramer Levin’s European operations, making its transition to Morgan Lewis a significant development.
Kramer Levin’s Path Forward
Kramer Levin and Herbert Smith Freehills are scheduled to vote on their merger plans in February. The combined entity, with over 2,700 lawyers, will be branded as Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer globally and HSF Kramer in the U.S.
“We wish our Paris colleagues continued success as they join Morgan Lewis,” remarked Kramer Levin’s co-managing partners Paul Schoeman and Howard Spilko.
What This Means for Morgan Lewis
This expansion underscores Morgan Lewis’ strategic focus on bolstering its European footprint and enhancing its global service offerings. The integration of such a highly skilled team reinforces the firm’s commitment to delivering top-tier legal services to clients worldwide.
