Squire Sanders joins forces with Patton Boggs

Law firms Squire Sanders and Patton Boggs are to merge, forming Squire Patton Boggs.

The new firm will span 45 offices in 21 countries and employ around 1,600 lawyers.

A joint statement said Squire Patton Boggs will be “characterised” by leading practice groups such as IP while offering experience in sectors including life sciences.

Global chief executive of Squire Sanders, Jim Maiwurm, said the deal will allow the firm to gain a leading position in the Middle East and several new locations in the US, “while deepening our bench in a number of important practices areas”.

Ed Newberry, managing partner of Patton Boggs, added: “The platform and collective expertise created through this combination provide considerable opportunities to access new markets, engage clients in new ways, and attract and retain top talent. I couldn’t be more excited for the future of our firm.”

The merger is expected to take effect by June 1.