On 1 June 2025, Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin announced the successful merger of their firms, launching a new law firm called Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (HSF Kramer).
This merger creates a major transatlantic law firm, comprising approximately 2,700 lawyers and 630 partners across 26 offices worldwide.
The union of Herbert Smith Freehills, a predominantly UK-based firm and Kramer Levin, an American firm, reflects the growing trend of UK and US law firms combining forces to expand their global reach and competitiveness across key markets.
In South Africa, Herbert Smith Freehills first established its presence in 2015. Since then, the firm has grown steadily, earning a strong reputation in the local market. It now boasts over 50 lawyers, with many of its partners recognised as leaders both locally and internationally in their respective fields.
This development follows last year’s merger between Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling to form A&O Shearman, which unfortunately resulted in the closure of its South African office.
