
Shearman & Sterling is a global law firm with a rich history that spans over 150 years. The firm was founded in 1873 in New York City.
Shearman & Sterling has a strong presence in Asia, with offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo. This is a testament to the firm's commitment to serving clients in the region.
The firm's size and scope allow it to handle complex and high-stakes cases, with over 850 lawyers worldwide. This is a significant advantage for clients who require expertise in multiple jurisdictions.
Shearman & Sterling has a long history of innovation and has been at the forefront of many significant legal developments.
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History
Shearman & Sterling's history is a fascinating story of growth and expansion. The firm was led by Boykin C. Wright, a senior partner who joined from Cahill Gordon & Reindel, and established its first international office in Paris in 1963.
The firm's reputation in international law was bolstered when President Eisenhower tapped partner Fredrick McCurdy Eaton to be the United States' lead negotiator at the 1960 Nuclear Ten Nation Committee on Disarmament in Geneva. From 1964 to 1975, Mr. Eaton was the senior partner.
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In postwar Germany, Shearman & Sterling helped German companies like Siemens and BASF restructure their debts and re-emerge as credible exporters to the United States. The firm's lawyers also assisted Daimler in its listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 1993.
Shearman & Sterling played a significant role in the establishment of state-owned oil and gas companies, including Sonatrach in Algeria and throughout the Middle East. In 1979, the firm's lawyers represented Citibank during the intense negotiations that ensued during the Iranian Hostage Crisis.
The firm's attorneys also helped restructure the debts of many Latin American nations in the Brady transactions during the 1980s.
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Company Overview
Shearman & Sterling is a global law firm with a rich history dating back to 1873.
Founded in New York, the firm has grown to become one of the world's leading law firms with 25 offices across the globe.
Shearman & Sterling has a strong presence in the global market, with a significant presence in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
The firm's global reach allows it to serve clients across various industries and sectors.
Shearman & Sterling is known for its expertise in a range of practice areas, including corporate, finance, and litigation.
For more insights, see: A&O Shearman
Business
Our firm has a long history of producing successful business leaders. Markus U. Diethelm, a former international associate, is now the general counsel of UBS AG.
We've also had the privilege of working with other notable business professionals. Philippe Dauman, a former associate and partner, served as the CEO of Viacom.
One of our former associates, Mitch Caplan, went on to become the CEO of E-Trade. His experience at the firm likely played a significant role in his future success.
Dr. Ann Olivarius, a former Head of Corporate Practice, is now the Chair of the Executive Committee at McAllister Olivarius. Her expertise in corporate law is highly respected.
Nina Zagat, a former associate, co-founded the Zagat Survey with her husband. Her work in the field of dining and travel guides has become a staple in many cities around the world.
Here are some notable business professionals who have been associated with our firm:
- Markus U. Diethelm, general counsel of UBS AG
- Philippe Dauman, former CEO of Viacom
- Mitch Caplan, former CEO of E-Trade
- Dr. Ann Olivarius, Chair of the Executive Committee at McAllister Olivarius
- Nina Zagat, co-founder of the Zagat Survey
- Tim Bezbatchenko, general manager of Toronto FC
Firm Facts

Shearman is a global law firm with a significant presence, boasting 23 offices in 16 countries. This extensive reach is a testament to the firm's commitment to serving clients across the globe.
The firm's financial performance has seen a slight dip, with a 22.9% drop in profit per equity partner (PEP) to $1.9 million (£1.4 million). Revenue also took a hit, dipping 11% to $861 million (£624 million).
Shearman typically hands out 15 training contracts a year, giving aspiring lawyers a chance to join the firm's ranks. This is a relatively small number compared to other firms, which may lead to early responsibility for trainees who prove themselves worthy.
Here's a breakdown of the firm's pay structure:
Those who make it to 6PQE take home a substantial £250k, making it a lucrative career path for those who are willing to put in the hard work.
Recognition and Awards
Shearman & Sterling has received recognition in various legal publications and industry rankings for its work in the United States and internationally.
The firm has been acknowledged for its expertise in dispute resolution/litigation, international arbitration, project finance, public international law, capital markets, and mergers and acquisitions.
Shearman & Sterling's reputation is built on its ability to deliver high-quality results across a range of practice areas.
Recognition
Shearman & Sterling has received recognition in various legal publications and industry rankings for its work in the US and internationally across multiple practice areas.
The firm has been acknowledged for its expertise in dispute resolution/litigation, international arbitration, and project finance, demonstrating its ability to navigate complex legal issues.
Its work in public international law has also earned recognition, showcasing the firm's understanding of global legal frameworks.
Shearman & Sterling has been recognized for its capital markets and mergers and acquisitions practices, highlighting its expertise in high-stakes financial transactions.
The firm's reputation in these areas has been solidified through its consistent delivery of high-quality legal services.
Transatlantic A&O Posts First Financials
A&O Shearman's first full-year trading results are in, and they're impressive. The combined firm posted a pre-tax profit of £1.1bn on income of £2.9bn for the year to 30 April.
This marks a significant milestone for the firm, which was formed after Allen & Overy merged with US firm Shearman & Sterling in May 2024. The combined firm's profit per equity partner came in at £2m.
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A&O Shearman's global managing partner, Hervé Ekué, said the firm has delivered strong results while making important investments in its business, including reshaping the firm to meet client needs.
The firm's results show a 19% rise in profit per equity partner compared to the previous year, when Allen & Overy posted a PEP of £2.2m.
Community Involvement
Shearman & Sterling has a strong commitment to giving back to the community through its pro bono practice. The firm has been pro bono counsel to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in Arusha, Tanzania.
Globally, the firm seconded one lawyer per month to work on particular projects for the ICTR. This is a testament to the firm's dedication to supporting justice and human rights.
The firm also assists FINCA International, a pioneering microcredit and village banking non-profit organization. Shearman & Sterling's support has likely made a significant impact on the lives of people in developing communities.
Shearman & Sterling's pro bono initiatives also include asylum cases and Violence Against Women Act petitions. These cases require a high level of expertise and sensitivity.
Controversies
Shearman & Sterling has been involved in a high-profile controversy surrounding the Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB. The firm's East Asian clients included 1MDB, which wired $368 million to Shearman & Sterling's trust account to pay for luxury items and film production.
The money was used to buy a Beverly Hills hotel, rent a private plane and yacht, and fund the production of The Wolf of Wall Street. This is according to a series of civil complaints filed by the DOJ.
Shearman & Sterling was named in these complaints for providing a trust account through which millions of dollars were illicitly siphoned. However, the firm and its lawyers are not accused of wrongdoing.
The controversy has sparked significant attention and raised questions about the firm's involvement with 1MDB.
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Locations and Offices
Shearman & Sterling has a presence in New York, with its headquarters located at 599 Lexington Avenue.
The New York office is situated in the heart of Manhattan, making it easily accessible by public transportation or on foot.
599 Lexington Avenue is the address of the company's headquarters, and it's a well-known location in the city.
New York, New York, 10022 is the zip code of the headquarters' location, which can be useful for those looking to send mail or packages to the office.
Shearman & Sterling's New York office is a hub for the company's activities, and it's where many of its employees are based.
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Notable Achievements
Shearman & Sterling has had a remarkable year with several notable achievements to its name. The firm advised Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) in the initial public offering of ADNOC Drilling on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), raising over $1.1 billion.
This listing made history as the largest-ever ADX listing to date, with a total gross demand of over $34 billion. The firm's expertise in handling complex transactions is truly impressive.
Shearman & Sterling also advised ALD Automotive in the creation of a joint venture with Ford, dedicated to providing new integrated fleet leasing and management solutions across Europe. This partnership is a significant development in the mobility solutions space.
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The firm is currently advising the banks in connection with the senior financing in support of the £2.3 billion public-to-private acquisition of Aggreko plc by TDR Capital and I Squared Capital. This deal is a testament to the firm's ability to handle high-stakes transactions.
Here are some of the firm's notable recent deals and cases:
- ADNOC Drilling IPO: $1.1 billion raised
- ALD Automotive and Ford joint venture: New integrated fleet leasing and management solutions across Europe
- Aggreko plc acquisition: £2.3 billion public-to-private deal
- AlbaCore investment in Babylon Holdings Limited: Up to $200 million sustainability-linked investment
- Allgaier Group restructuring: Comprehensive financing involving a guarantee of the state Baden-Württemberg
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