Middletons and global law firm K&L Gates are in discussions regarding a possible combination. If approved, the combination would create a firm of more than 2,000 lawyers in 45 offices throughout Australia, North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

 “Our leadership teams believe that the client-driven consolidation and globalisation evident in the market for legal services will continue unabated and the potential synergies that would arise from the combination of our firms deserve (and are receiving) serious consideration,” said K&L Gates chairman and global managing partner Peter Kalis.

Discussions between the two firms have been underway for several months with formal proposals expected to be presented to both partnerships later in 2012 if talks proceed to a successful conclusion.