Gowlings, a Canadian law firm is set to merge with UK law firm, Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co. This merger will form a global firm, ready to be launched next January, making it one of the world’s top 100 firms. Gowling WLG, the new firm, will have over 1,400 legal professionals from across Canada, Europe, Asia and the Middle East and will put the firm in the top five specializing in intellectual property.
Scott Jolliffe, Gowlings Chief Executive, told the Wall Street Journal that the merger was a result of an increased client demand for globalization. Gowling WLG will not, however, have a presence in the US due to relationships with US law firms. Jolliffe also said that, “Gowling WLG will provide clients with a broader service offering, a deeper pool of legal expertise and greater multi-jurisdictional support — all while delivering the same personal, responsive service and value that both its founding firms are known for.”
Gowling WLG will provide its clients with expertise and multi-jurisdictional help in global sectors, such as, life sciences, manufacturing, power generation and distribution, projects and infrastructure, real estate, resources (mining, oil & gas), and technology and communications. The new firm will be home to one of the world’s very first intellectual property practices, and will provide a full suite of business law and litigation services.
