"We are talking to Perkins partners, and we are going to be seeing more defections. My sense is that the way the merger was presented was not ideal; partners were feeling like they were not given a choice. It was more like, 'This is happening, and you need to be OK with that and get on board' - not much of a discussion."
"[T]ons of Perkins partners are looking for jobs"
"a monumental f- up."
Perkins Coie announced plans to combine with Ashurst in November 2025, with the merger expected to close in the third quarter. The merger has prompted a wave of partner departures and intensified lateral recruiting, with at least 22 partners leaving the Seattle office. Many partners feel they were not consulted and perceive the process as imposed without choice, generating significant internal resentment and threats of further defections. Management is quietly offering retention bonuses to stem the losses. Some partners view the tie-up as a brand dilution compared with prior large mergers, prompting long-tenured lawyers to explore opportunities elsewhere.
Read at Above the Law
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