Shearman Keeps Lid on US Partner Exits Ahead of A&O Merger

Shearman & Sterling has kept its core US roster largely intact ahead of its high-profile merger with London’s Allen & Overy, despite a string of partner exits.

More than 30 partners have left Shearman since the merger was announced last year, according to data from Pirical. But less than half of those moves came in the firm’s US business, which is the centerpiece of the deal.

“With the merger, they want the brand and the footprint in the US,” said Freddie Lawson, head of partner search at UK recruiter Montresor Legal.

A&O was drawn to Shearman’s stateside M&A and litigation ...