The idea of an alliance between Allens Arthur Robinson and Linklaters was first discussed in mid-2011, when large UK and US firms began looking to Australia given its proximity to major project development and financing work in Asia.
Michael Rose and Simon Davies, the managing partners of the two firms, had been attending an international legal conference in California and began discussing the growing interest in the Australian market. Rose was keen to continue the conversation and took a detour via London on the way home. Joined by Allens Arthur Robinson chairman Ewen Crouch, they met with Davies and some of his fellow Linklaters partners. The firms had worked together and shared similar clients, cultures and values.
The firms had worked together and shared similar clients, cultures and values.
Over the year conversations continued; neither firm was eager to merge, but both could see benefits in working together. In particular, each firm was keen to strengthen its involvement in the growing energy, resources and infrastructure work in Asia. In 2012 Allens Arthur Robinson and Linklaters announced an integrated alliance. The firm also decided to adopt the colloquial name by which it had long been known – Allens.
The firms maintain their financial independence while sharing best-practice approaches to solve client problems. The alliance gives Allens’ clients access to a global network of 40 offices in 28 locations and there is a consistent flow of talent between the two firms, at both senior and junior levels.