A&O Shearman Faces Talent Drain as Paris IP Team Defects to Hogan Lovells

The migration is seen as a significant gain for Hogan Lovells, which has been actively strengthening its European IP capabilities. “We’re excited to welcome this accomplished team of litigators who bring deep technical expertise and client relationships,” said a Hogan Lovells spokesperson. “Their arrival significantly boosts our Paris office’s strategic position in the global IP market.”

The timing of the defection has raised eyebrows in the legal industry. A&O Shearman has already seen several high-profile exits since announcing their merger in 2023, including in corporate and finance practices. While leadership at A&O Shearman has publicly stated their confidence in the combined firm’s future, industry watchers suggest that integration pains and cultural mismatches are contributing to ongoing attrition.

“This latest departure hits a nerve because IP is increasingly central to global legal strategies—particularly as tech and life sciences clients ramp up enforcement,” said a legal recruiter specializing in partner moves. “For Hogan Lovells, this is a very strategic acquisition.”

Despite the loss, A&O Shearman maintains that its IP practice remains robust across Europe and the U.S. A spokesperson for the firm said: “We thank the team for their contributions and wish them well. Our IP group continues to deliver exceptional results for clients, and we remain committed to growth in this area.”

The exit also reflects a wider trend of top legal talent shifting between global law firms amid growing client demand for complex IP services, especially in light of the ongoing rise in AI, pharma innovation, and digital patent enforcement.