Top-100 outfit Russell-Cooke and neighbouring central London firm Teacher Stern have abandoned a potential merger.

Russell-Cooke said in a statement: ‘Following open and constructive conversations, both firms have agreed not to proceed further. We will not be commenting on the detail of these discussions, which remain confidential between our respective firms. Russell-Cooke continues on its strong, values-driven growth path and everything remains unchanged for colleagues and clients.’ 

Russell-Cooke has 250 lawyers and works for commercial, not-for-profit and private clients. The firm posted profit before members’ remuneration and profit shares of £20.6m in 2024-25, up from £19.3m the previous year. Income climbed from £50.6m to £56.3m. It has offices at Bedford Row in London’s Holborn, Putney, and Kingston-upon-Thames.

Teacher Stern, also of Bedford Row, posted profit before members’ remuneration and profit shares of £3.5m in 2024-25, down from £4.2m for an 11-month period in the previous year. Income totalled £13.5m, compared with £13.4m in the earlier period. Teacher Stern is a full-service commercial firm with expertise in real estate, litigation and commercial services.