Allen & Overy
Allen & Overy LLP was a British multinational law firm based in London. It had more than 40 offices in 31 countries, about 590 partners, around 2,768 associates, and roughly 5,800 employees. In 2021/2022 it reported about £2.1 billion in revenue, with a profit per equity partner of about £1.82 million.
The firm was founded on 1 January 1930 by George Allen and Thomas Overy, who were then partners at Roney & Co. Its reputation grew after Allen advised King Edward VIII during the abdication crisis in 1936. It handled notable deals such as London’s first hostile takeover and the first Eurobond in the 1960s, helping expand its international finance and corporate practice. By the late 1990s, non-UK clients were contributing most of its revenue.
In 2004 the partnership converted to a limited liability partnership, becoming Allen & Overy LLP. By 2008 turnover exceeded £1 billion, with more than half of revenue coming from outside London. After the 2008 financial crisis, the firm carried out a large redundancy program in 2009 and de-equitised 35 partners. Its private client department separated to form Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP. In 2014 it opened an office in Johannesburg, the first Magic Circle firm in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2018 the firm faced criticism over diversity and gender pay gaps.
In 2023 Allen & Overy announced a merger with Shearman & Sterling, creating A&O Shearman. The combined firm would have around 4,000 lawyers and 48 offices with about $3.4 billion in revenue. The merger was approved by more than 99% of partners at both firms. The Allen & Overy LLP entity was dissolved on 30 April 2024 as part of the merger.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 06:55 (CET).