Two law firms snagged the most automotive-sector mergers and acquisitions advisory work in the first quarter.

A&O Shearman did the most auto buy-sell work on a value basis, and Kirkland & Ellis topped competitors on a volume basis, according to data and analysis provider GlobalData.

A&O amassed $2.1 billion worth of auto M&A transactions work over just two deals, boosting it from 23^rd place to first year-over-year, the study determined. It ranked fourth in volume.
“Involvement in the $1.4 billion American Axle & Manufacturing-Dowlais deal was pivotal for A&O Shearman in securing the top spot by value in Q1 2025,” said GlobalData Lead Analyst Aurojyoti Bose.

Kirkland, meanwhile, led on volume as it rose from the seventh-highest number of deals to first year-over-year with its advisement on four transactions. The work resulted in a sixth-place ranking by value.

Both firms have agreed this year to conduct pro-bono work for the Trump administration following its moves to cut them off from federal contracts or access to government buildings due to past work adverse to Trump, according to news reports.

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