A&O Shearman announces cuts

The newly merged international firm will reduce the size of its partnership, close an office and exit the consulting sector. A&O Shearman has begun to indicate its post-merger direction, announcing cuts which it described as “strategic changes to focus on growth opportunities aligned with the firm’s vision”. The firm was formed on 1 May this year by a merger between Magic Circle UK firm Allen & Overy and US-headquartered Shearman & Sterling, since when it has