Shearman & Sterling is getting a new leader after its scuttled merger talks with Hogan Lovells.
Manhattan trial lawyer Adam Hakki will become the firm’s senior partner next year, Shearman said Tuesday. Hakki, the firm’s global managing partner and head of disputes and litigation, will succeed David Beveridge.
The announcement comes as the New York-founded firm and Hogan Lovells called off merger talks last week. Shearman had also reportedly pursued a merger with Baker Botts prior to its talks with Hogan.
Beveridge, who has led the firm since 2018, will step aside when his term expires at the end of the year. Hakki’s selection is subject to a formal election later this year, the firm said.
“We have made important progress in reshaping our business, and I believe this is the right time to begin a leadership transition to accelerate the pace of the firm’s ongoing transformation and the development of a new strategic vision,” Beveridge said in a statement.
Hakki joined Shearman over 25 years ago and has led its global litigation group since 2012 and served as global managing partner since 2018. He works on complex litigation and government investigations, with for a client list that has included major financial institutions like Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, BNP Paribas and Citigroup.
“We will maintain a laser focus on our clients and prioritize our core strength as a destination for the most complex and significant transactions and disputes for corporates, financial institutions, and funds, with true industry expertise,” Hakki said in a statement.
“Through this we will maintain our prioritization of the most profitable legal markets. We will also continue to prioritize our most valuable asset—our people—in their development and in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment,” he said.
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