Maclays to merge with Dentons as world's biggest law firm gets even bigger

Scottish legal practice Maclay Murray & Spens is to combine with Dentons, the world's largest law firm, it was announced today.

The merger, which is expected to complete later in 2017 following approval by the partnerships of both firms, will offer clients the services of around 800 fee earners in the UK, including 200 partners, operating from offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Milton Keynes and Watford.

Globally the merger will give Dentons a headcount of more than 1,800 partners and 7,600 lawyers, generating an estimated £1.5bn revenue. Its largest office at present is in Beijing, with 129 partners, but the merger will mean the London operation exceeds this total.

"Joining forces with the world's largest law firm is tremendously exciting for us," said Kenneth Shand, chief executive officer of Maclay Murray & Spens. "With offices across the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia-Pacific, Dentons will unquestionably be the only significant player in Scotland which is a genuinely global firm. We will have a unique ability to offer Scottish businesses with international ambitions access to the largest array of legal talent in the world, and international firms with an interest in Scotland, the resources of one of the world's most innovative and forward-thinking law firms."

Dentons' global chief executive officer Elliott Portnoy commented: "This combination will significantly enhance our scale and capabilities in the UK. Combining with strong, independent and well-established firms is central to Dentons' 'in and of the community' ethos, and with its rich history in the Scottish market Maclay Murray & Spens fits very much into this category. Following soon after our recent combinations with equally high-quality firms in Latin America and the Netherlands, this development accelerates Dentons' momentum as we continue our journey 'from largest to leading'."

Jeremy Cohen, chief executive officer for Dentons' UK and Middle East region added: "Maclay Murray & Spens is a Scottish leader in some of our strongest practices and sectors, including financial services, energy, transport & infrastructure, and real estate. By combining we will also significantly increase our out-of-London capability. Working seamlessly with colleagues in London, our Milton Keynes and Watford offices already enable us to deliver enhanced value to many of our largest clients. This combination will upscale that ability by a very considerable margin."