Abstract

In 2001, Berwin Leighton merged with Paisner & Co with the goal of broadening its service offerings and developing its capabilities. The case explores how Berwin Leighton’s managing partner, Neville Eisenberg, pursued the merger, details the issues raised in the merger negotiation, and describes how the two firms’ leadership persuaded their respective partnerships to approve the transaction. After the merger was completed, Eisenberg, as managing partner of the combined firm, led the integration effort, made particularly challenging by a market downturn.

Learning Objectives

To examine and discuss the difficulties of law firm mergers and the integration challenges posed by such mergers.

Subjects Covered

Mergers, Professional Services, Change Management

Setting

Geographic: United Kingdom

Industry: Law Firm

Event Year Begin: 2001