A&O Top Leader Will Take Charge If Shearman Merger Vote Approved

Allen & Overy’s current senior leadership will head the combined operation of A&O Shearman & Sterling, if the deal is approved.

Senior partner Wim Dejonghe and managing partner Khalid Garousha will lead the newly combined firm in their current roles, according to several people with knowledge of the situation.

Current Shearman senior partner Adam Hakki is expected to play a senior role in the new firm’s leadership, including sitting on its executive committee, according to two people with knowledge of the matter.

Hakki has been instrumental in discussions with Dejonghe to forge the deal.

“While the principles for shared governance ...