Transatlantic Partnership Launches Winston Taylor

Taylor Wessing’s UK practice and US firm Winston & Strawn have officially completed their transatlantic merger, creating a new BigLaw firm called Winston Taylor. The combination, which was first reported in late 2025 and approved by partners in January 2026, brings together more than 1,400 lawyers and generates combined revenues of around £1.3 billion. The launch marks the formal start of a new global legal platform with operations spanning both sides of the Atlantic.

The merger positions Winston Taylor as a larger rival in the premium legal market, with leadership emphasizing scale, integration and client service as key priorities. Firm chairman Steve D’Amore said the new business is focused on a “client-first approach” and aims to work closely with clients on both day-to-day matters and high-stakes strategic projects. He added that the firm is moving quickly to combine teams and offices, presenting the merger as a fast-paced effort to build a more aligned and focused practice.

The tie-up is expected to strengthen the firm’s capabilities across major corporate, finance, disputes and sector-focused work, although detailed practice-area plans have not yet been publicly set out. For existing clients, the merger creates access to a broader international network under one brand. For lawyers inside the firm, the combination is likely to mean new internal structures, shared resources and closer coordination across jurisdictions.

Despite the launch, key employment details have not yet been confirmed. There is still no announcement on the salary scales for trainees or newly qualified lawyers at the merged firm. Before the merger, Winston & Strawn offered first-year trainees £56,000, rising to £61,000 in year two, with newly qualified lawyers earning £160,000. Taylor Wessing’s previous UK pay rates were lower, at £52,000 for first-year trainees, £57,000 in the second year and £115,000 for NQs.

The new firm will therefore be closely watched by junior lawyers and applicants who want to know whether pay and progression will align more closely with Winston & Strawn’s higher previous rates or adopt a new unified structure. That issue is particularly relevant for training contract candidates, who have been told to note the new firm name, Winston Taylor, as they consider future applications.

The merger is one of the more significant legal sector combinations in recent months, reflecting continued consolidation among major law firms seeking greater scale, international reach and cross-border capability. With the deal now live, attention will turn to how quickly Winston Taylor integrates its people, offices and branding, and whether it can translate its enlarged platform into stronger market share and higher-value mandates.