Legal Services

A&O Shearman boss Hervé Ekué: ‘My godfather was accused in a failed coup… he inspired me to be a lawyer’

The high-profile lawyer on the perils of a blockbuster merger, pay wars and the three questions he asks aspiring partners in promotion interviews

Hervé Ekué at Financial News and Private Equity News’ showcase event on 18 March 2025 at The News Building
Hervé Ekué at Financial News and Private Equity News’ showcase event on 18 March 2025 at The News Building Photo: Alicia Canter for FN

What drove A&O Shearman boss Hervé Ekué to become a lawyer?

“It’s a funny story,” Ekué tells Financial News in his first sit-down interview since being promoted to managing partner following the blockbuster merger of Allen & Overy with its US rival Shearman & Sterling in May last year.

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