Hogan & Hartson merger with Lovells will land firm in top 10.

• Author: Cote, Mike
• Position: MERGERS

When Washington D.C.-based Hogan & Hartson finalizes its merger with U.K.-based Lovells on May 1, the combined law firm will vault into the top 10 largest in the world, at No. 9, with more than 2,500 lawyers in more than 40 offices.

Hogan & Hartson brings about 1,200 lawyers to the merger and 23 offices worldwide, said Cole Finegan, managing partner of the firm's Denver office. With more than 40 offices, the combined Hogan Lovells will be able to offer clients a broader international reach and major services in corporate, financial, dispute resolution and intellectual property.

"Intellectual property is probably the hottest area in international law right now with the advent of the Internet, software and social media," Finegan said. That's especially true in developing markets like Asia.

"I think you're going to see a lot of...