Leadership Built for a Global Stage
The merged firm will be jointly led by Bill Malley, managing partner at Perkins Coie, and Paul Jenkins, global CEO of Ashurst, who will serve as global co-chief executives.
Karen Davies of Ashurst and Brian Eiting of Perkins Coie will take on co-chair roles.
Meanwhile, Mark Birnbaum, chair of Perkins Coie’s executive committee, will remain in his post until late 2025.
According to the firms, merger discussions began in February—though Ashurst had long signaled its ambition to expand meaningfully in the U.S.
A Strategic Union Years in the Making
“We have now found that partner,” Jenkins said, describing Perkins Coie as a firm with deep, trusted expertise positioned at the cutting edge of technological transformation. He cast the merger as a chance to launch a “truly differentiated global law firm.”
Perkins Coie brings formidable strengths in technology, corporate, litigation, IP, privacy and fintech, while Ashurst’s global presence and experience in cross-border transactions, financial services, real estate, and energy will broaden the combined firm’s reach.
Malley emphasized the firms’ shared future-oriented culture.
“Together, we will combine resources and expertise to accelerate growth and set new standards for world-class legal service,” he said.
