National law firm Middletons is discussing a possible merger with global firm K&L Gates.
A successful merger would create a law firm with more than 2,000 lawyers in 45 offices throughout Australia, North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Middletons' Perth office was created through a merger of local firms Salter Power and Franklyn Legal in 2008.
Middletons national managing partner Nick Nichola and K&L Gates chairman Peter J Kalis said the combination would capitalise on shared practice strengths in corporate, energy and resources, banking and financial services, labour law and industrial relations.
“Our leadership teams believe that the client driven consolidation and globalisation evident in the market for legal services will continue unabated and the potential synergies that would arise from the combination of our firms deserve and are receiving serious consideration,” a statement from Messrs Nichola and Kalis said.
Discussions have been underway for several months, with formal proposals expected later this year.