A&O Shearman
About
A&O Shearman
A&O Shearman (formerly Allen & Overy) is one of the UK’s leading firms and a member of the Magic Circle, the group of the five most prestigious law firms in the UK. The firm is frequently ranked among the top law firms globally.
Founded in 1930 by George Allen and Thomas Overy, the firm quickly distinguished itself in London and has since expanded to become a global powerhouse.
In May 2024, Allen & Overy merged with New York firm Shearman & Sterling in one of the most significant law firm combinations in decades. The merger significantly boosted A&O’s capability in the US, which is the world's biggest market for legal services.
The first year of the tie-up marked a time of transition for A&O Shearman, which moved to a single all-equity model and cut around 10% of its equity partners at the end of 2024.
Yet, despite the upheaval, the newly-merged firm reported revenue of £2.9 million in 2024/25 - placing it in the top 10 globally - while PEP came in at £2 million.
A&O Shearman operates 48 offices in 29 countries globally, employing over 4,000 lawyers, including more than 700 partners.
The firm is strong in a variety of practice areas but is best known for its work in banking, finance (especially capital markets), and big-ticket corporate/M&A. It is known for its prowess in handling large, cross-border transactions thanks to its extensive global footprint. A&O Shearman has offices in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East.
Recently, A&O Shearman has also become a leader in legal technology and innovation. The firm has been at the forefront of the legal AI revolution, launching notable partnerships with generative AI solutions like Harvey. The firm also has its own AI contract drafting and negotiation tool known as ‘ContractMatrix’.
A&O Shearman makes our ranking of the UK's most prestigious law firms.
Recent work highlights
Here are three recent transactions A&O Shearman has advised on:
Atlético Madrid Takeover: In November 2025, A&O Shearman advised Apollo on its €2.5 billion acquisition of a majority stake in La Liga club Atlético Madrid, in one of the largest private capital investments in European sport to date.
€16bn acquisition of JDE Peet's: In August 2025, A&O Shearman advised JDE Peet’s, the owner of Douwe Egberts, L’OR and Kenco, on its acquisition by Keurig Dr Pepper for €15.7 billion. When announced, it was understood to be the biggest European acquisition in more than two years.
£1.3bn acquisition of esure: In April 2025, A&O Shearman advised Brussels-based insurer Ageas on its acquisition of UK insurer esure, the owner of Sheilas' Wheels, from Bain Capital for £1.3 billion.
Recent coverage
What is A&O Shearman known for?
A&O Shearman is a corporate law firm advising corporations, financial institutions and governments across a broad range of practice areas. It's particularly known for its strengths in the following areas:
Banking and Finance
Along with capital markets, top-tier banking and finance advice remains A&O's strongest card. The firm is renowned for its expertise in complex financing arrangements, regulatory advice, and financial products, advising global financial institutions and corporations. The firm is ranked in Band 1 by Chambers for both its borrower-side and lender-side advice on big-ticket deals.
Corporate/M&A
Recognised for its role in high-profile, cross-border M&A transactions, offering high quality advice to corporates and private equity firms. A&O is ranked in Band 1 by Chambers for the highest-value M&A deals.
Capital Markets
Highly skilled in both debt and equity capital markets, advising issuers and underwriters on IPOs, bond offerings, derivatives and securitisations. The firm has a Band 1 ranking by Chambers for both ECM and DCM work.
Financial performance
In the first full financial year after its merger, A&O Shearman recorded revenue of £2.9 billion in 2025.
In 2025, its profit per equity partner (PEP) was £2 million.
London salaries
Here’s what A&O Shearman pays its London trainees and newly qualified (NQ) lawyers:
Who does A&O Shearman compete with?
A&O Shearman competes directly with the rest of the Magic Circle the top US players for the biggest mandates:
Trainee information
Other things to know
Merger with Shearman & Sterling: On 1 May 2024, Allen & Overy completed its merger with New York law firm Shearman & Sterling, forming ‘A&O Shearman’.
Partnership shake-up: In September 2024, A&O said that it was planning to cut 10% of its partnership by the end of its financial year. The firm also announced the closure of its office in Johannesburg which was staffed by 32 lawyers, including 8 partners). It cited the completion of a “a broad strategic review” after its merger as the reason for the cuts.
Trainee turned tech entrepreneur: In August 2024, former A&O trainee Alexander Kardos-Nyheim sold the legal AI startup he founded (as a side project during his training contract at the firm) to Thomson Reuters for millions. You can read about his incredible story here.
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