SJ Berwin's management has publicly backed its proposed merger with New York's Proskauer Rose amid mounting speculation that the long-running talks are faltering.

Senior partner Jonathan Blake conceded that talks with the US firm – which have been ongoing since the beginning of the year – had been complicated, but stated that they were still progressing. He told Legal Week: "The talks are ongoing but were delayed by the summer. I think it is going to go ahead but we are both real partnerships so these things take time. Clearly there are a lot of issues to work out."

The news comes as nominations to replace outgoing managing partner Ralph Cohen closed last Friday (24 September), with three candidates emerging.

Corporate partners Rob Day and Perry Yam and litigation partner Hilton Mervis are
to go head-to-head in an October vote. Blake added: "We have a surfeit of talent in the firm and it is great to see such enthusiasm and willingness to lead."

Earlier this week news broke of the departure of respected real estate head Jon Vivian and three City partners – Lewis Myers, Rob Thompson and Jo Footitt – to Irwin Mitchell.
While the merger was understood to be a contributing factor to the team's departure, Bryan Pickup – who will now jointly head up the real estate practice with planning specialist Simon Ricketts – downplayed its significance.

He said: "The Proskauer real estate department is substantial with an essential hotels and leisure practice. We are interested in these areas as well and we are confident that there is a significant place for real estate within a merged firm."

He added: "We made a considerable effort to retain the departing partners but sadly they are going and of course we are disappointed."