London Overtakes New York in Private Equity M&A Partner Hiring
A new article by Ryan Harroff in the New York Law Journal examines a notable shift in lateral partner hiring patterns across two of the world's leading legal markets - with data from Macrae+ revealing that London has overtaken New York in private equity M&A partner moves.
Macrae's data, drawn from our latest Macrae+ funds and private equity M&A report, shows that London recorded significantly more lateral private equity M&A partner moves in 2025 than New York - a reversal of the picture from just four years ago. On the funds side, New York has maintained its lead, though London is gaining ground and reached a five-year high last year.
Rose Corbett, Managing Director based in Macrae New York, spoke to Harroff about what is driving activity on both sides of the Atlantic: "First and foremost, what you're seeing is the US firms in the UK trying to increase their strength on a transatlantic basis. They want to see something strong in London, just like they have in New York and in the States. That is increasingly becoming a goal, and I think it has to do with client relationships. You want to see a client relationship that's strong in New York translate into a strong relationship in London, and I think that's what we're seeing."
American firms are the primary drivers of hiring in both cities, with the full breakdown - including which firms are leading the charge and how hiring appetite differs between New York and London - available in the Macrae+ report.
Please note: A subscription may be required to access the full article.