Hogan & Hartson and Lovells have finalised the line-up of the implementation committee that will guide the two firms through their forthcoming merger.

The 18-member committee is chaired by Lovells financial services partner Emily Reid (pictured) and Houston-based Hogan commercial disputes partner Thad Dameris, who will report directly into the merged firm's international management committee.

The group will effectively act as an oversight body to ensure that the implementation plans in individual practice areas and support teams are progressing, and to step in to act if not.

Membership is evenly split between Hogan and Lovells partners and is spread across both firm's international practices.

A statement from the firms said: "The implementation planning committee's role will be critical in facilitating the successful integration of our firms' practices. This is another important step in maintaining the continuity of excellent legal services that our clients have come to know from both our firms."

Earlier this year the firms confirmed the makeup of its two strategic and management boards with the international management committee chaired by future joint chief executives David Harris and Warren Gorrell and its 12-member governance body headed by firmwide co-chairs John Young and Claudette Christian.

Hogan Lovells will officially launch on 1 May, with the union creating a top 10 global firm by revenue.

Hogan Lovells implementation planning committee