Pillsbury Winthrop and Shaw Pittman commit to merger

Pillsbury Winthrop and Shaw Pittman last week finally confirmed their intention to merge.

As first revealed on www.thelawyer.com (10 February), the two firms have signed a letter of intent to merge. When the deal is completed, the combined firm will have around 900 lawyers, spread over 16 offices, with a combined turnover of more than $600m (£321.8m).

The merger is still subject to approval by partners of both firms and a definitive merger agreement. The firms hope to conclude the merger by spring.

Pillsbury chair Mary Cranston will chair the merged firm, with Shaw Pittman managing partner Stephen Huttler and Pillsbury's former UK managing partner David Snyder serving as vice-chairs. Marina Park of Pillsbury will be firmwide managing partner.

The combination of the two firms' London offices will create a small technology boutique of around 10 lawyers.