A&O Shearman Merger Brings Surprise Role for UAE Dealmaker (1)

A shakeup inside Allen & Overy has unexpectedly landed an Abu Dhabi dealmaker a key role as the firm looks to close a merger with Shearman & Sterling designed to secure its future.

Khalid Garousha was named the UK firm’s No. 2 in July after the sudden departure of a longtime executive. He looms large in the complicated task of melding two century-old operations on opposite sides of the Atlantic with vastly different cultures.

“Integration is a huge, huge, huge piece of jigsaw,” said Corinne Staves, a partner at CM Murray, who advises on law firm mergers. “Whether it’s successful ...