KWM drops ‘SJ Berwin’ from title

King & Wood Mallesons started its collaboration with SJ Berwin on Novermber 1, 2013 giving birth to a USD 1 billion law firm based in Asia. The title “King & Wood Mallesons SJ Berwin (KWMSJB)” was used in UK, Europe and the Middle East. However, starting November 1, 2014, the firm has decided to drop the “SJ Berwin” title and call themselves just “King & Wood Mallesons” globally. The firm says that they are ready to adopt the one-firm name across all markets owing to successfully transition of the brand name. The firm is the second-fastest growing brand following Norton Rose Fulbright.

The change in brand name comes with several changes in the management positions of the firm, the most prominent being that the KWMSJB’s EMEA region managing partner Rob Day stepped down to be replaced by real estate partner, William Boss, who will hold the reins for a three year term.