The antics of Allen & Overy and Norton Rose have kept the Australian market somewhat distracted from the momentous Lovells - Hogan & Hartson marriage, which is being billed as the first significant trans-Atlantic law firm merger.
 
The deal has finally been consummated, with Hogan & Hartson and Lovells officially joining forces on 1 May. The result is a  2500 lawyer firm which will undoubtedly  put a few shivers up competitor spines. The ramifications of such a move may be that the next spate of international mergers will be across the Atlantic, rather than in Australasia.

However, not all partners from the two firms have chosen to be part of the merger. Most notably Robert Lewis, Lovells' former Beijing managing partner, quit the firm to join local outfit Allbright as a senior international legal consultant. 

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