JD Journal » merger

Greenebaum Doll Ties The Knot With Indiana’s Bingham McHale

chelsei — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:33:55 +0000

Motivated in part by the recent tie-ups that involved regional rivals, Louisville-based Greenebaum Doll & McDonald and Indianapolis-based Bingham McHale have announced their plans to join forces to create a 250-lawyer firm called Bingham Greenebaum Doll as of January 2.

The two firms announced what they described in a recent press release to be a ”merger of equals” on Wednesday, in the afternoon. The union has been approved by the partnerships of both of the firms, which began seriously discussing a potential tie-up sometime in late August.

”I’d first met [Bingham McHale managing partner W. Tobin ''Toby'' McClamroch] a few years ago, and when we got to taking we both saw a mutual interest in doing this,” says the Greenebaum Doll chairman Phillip Scott. ”This will allow us both to expand out footprint and our depth in various practice areas.”
Scott acknowledges that the recent moves by other regional firms to consolidate helped increased the interest on the part of both his firm and the Bingham McHale in a potential merger. In October, The American Lawyer reported on the increasingly crowded legal market over in Indiana, which has led of of the local firms to look outside the Midwest for expansion opportunities.
Almost three years ago, the Kentucky firm Frost Brown Todd merged with Indianapolis-based Locke Reynolds, creating a firm with around 400 lawyers today. Back in August, the Indianapolis-based Baker & Daniels confirmed that it was in merger talks with the Minneapolis-based Faegre & Benson. The two Am Law 200 firms will officially combine as Faegre Baker Daniels on January 1 of the New Year.

It was also announced back in August that, a merger between Indianapolis-based Am Law 200 firm Ice Miller and Columbus-based Schottenstein Zox & Dunn that will go live in January. Greenebaum Doll held around several months of merger talks with Ice Miller two years ago before the firms went their different ways, according to the previous reports. Greenebaum Doll also held more talks with Bingham McHale during the same time.

Scott says that the potential mergers grew more intriguing over time between his 117-lawyer firm and 130-lawyer Bingham McHale. The latter’s bond practice intrigued Greenebaum Doll, which, in turn, boasts a tax and finance practice that Bingham McHale lacks in their company. The new combined firm will have a total of eight offices; four in Indiana, three in the state of Kentucky, and one in Cincinnati.

Bingham McHale, which has already grown out of a merger between two rival Indiana firms a decade ago, counts Duke Energy, Pfizer, Simon Property Group, WellPoint, and the Gatorade Trust among all of its largest clients. Greenebaum Doll, which has over the time had to cope with a series of partner defections in recent years, represents companies like Humana and the group of the franchisees for the new fast food chains KFC.

Bryan Cave is Set to Combine with Holme Roberts & Owen

chelsei — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:59:14 +0000

In a Mile High comeback that would even make Tim Tebow, the Denver-based Holme Robets & Owen has reached a merger deal with Bryan Cave, the two Am Law 200 firms have announced early Tuesday morning.

The two firm’s partnerships have approved the move to join the forces as a single firm to be known as Bryan Cave after the tie-up becomes official on January 1. The merger is going to expand Bryan Cave’s reach into the Rocky Mountain region and give it more that 1,100 lawyers in offices in 26 cities.

”Combining with [Holme Roberts] represents a unique opportunity for both firms to expand the resources we can offer to our clients while reinforcing a shared culture dedicated to superior client service,” Bryan Cave, who is the chairman of Don Lents, said in an statement announcing the merger. ”Extending our geographic reach while expanding the range of our services in California are important steps in our firm’s long-term growth.”

Last week, the Am Law Daily reported that the firms were involved in serious merger talks. For Holme Roberts, the possibility of combining with a larger firm emerged during an operational restructuring launched in the wake of a round of staff layoffs and a spate of high-profile partner departures. Randall Mitchell, who took over as the 175-lawyerfirm’s managing partner in the month of May, has been very busy during the past few months talking with potential suitors.

Miller, who became a member of Bryan Cave’s management committee and the head of its three Colorado offices, admitted to The Am Law Daily on Monday that he had felt a touch of sadness at seeing the Holme Robets name disappear. The firm’s Boulder, Denver and Colorado Springs offices will operate for the next 18 months as Bryan Cave HRO before dropping the three-letter suffix.

”A changing of the guard at a 118-year-old institution [like Holme Robets] is a big deal,” says Miller. ”But it’s such a good fit with so many parallels that excitement is still the primary emotion.”

A strategic review of the Colorado-based firm’s operations–commissioned by Miller and firm management earlier this year, and handled by its outside legal consultants at Altman Weil–determined that becoming part of a national firm would better help Holme Robets to continue to serve its clients. Miller says that Holme Robets had received interest from a few other firms, which he declined to name, before formal merger talks with Bryan Cave gained some steam over the summer.

Lents, who is the chair of 900-laywer Bryan Cave, confirmed to The Am Law Daily on Monday that his firm had been in discussions with Holme Robets for ”several months.” He has said that Bryan Cave and Holme Robets have a mutual client relationship in the technology, financial services and manufacturing industries, and that there were no major client conflicts between all of the firms.

Van Ness Feldman and GordonDerr Announce Merger

rebneely — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:30:53 +0000

Van Ness Feldman and GordonDerr LLP announced in recent days that the two law firms will merge, and will use the name Van Ness Feldman, A Professional Corporation. The merger is expected to be effective by the end of the first quarter of 2012. In transition, Van Ness Feldman’s Seattle office will operate under the name Van Ness Feldman GordonDerr.

The merger will enable the combined firm to assist a wide, national range of clients in the areas of developing natural resource, energy, infrastructure, and sustainable real estate projects.

Van Ness Feldman is a nationally and regionally recognized energy, environment, transportation and natural resources law and public policy firm with offices in Seattle and Washington, DC. The firm also maintains a highly regarded health care policy practice. GordonDerr is a preeminent real estate, land use, water law, and civil litigation firm located in Seattle. The combined firm will have 116 professionals and 175 total employees firmwide, with 27 professionals and 40 total employees in Seattle.

Howard Feldman, Van Ness Feldman’s co-founder and Chairman, was quoted as saying in the December 14^th marketwatch.com press release: “This is a great moment in each firm’s distinguished history. We are proud to take the next step in our growth in Seattle by joining with a firm that provides our clients, both regionally and nationally, with the added benefit of GordonDerr’s comprehensive capabilities in supporting strategic planning and decision-making.”

Jay Derr, GordonDerr’s Managing Partner, who will lead the combined firm’s Seattle office was quoted as saying: “More and more, the development and regulatory needs of our clients are triggering federal agency involvement. This can be through federal laws and regulations such as the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act and the like, or through the need to shape policy or secure appropriations from Washington, DC. Energy policy, the increased emphasis on renewable energy, climate change and sustainable design and construction issues arise with increasing frequency in the work we do with clients in the Pacific Northwest. Our clients and prospective clients — be they developers, investors, municipalities, port authorities, special use districts, or other entities — will benefit from Van Ness Feldman’s substantive expertise and its prominent position with policymakers and regulators in Washington, DC.”

Rick Agnew, who currently manages Van Ness Feldman’s Seattle office and will become the firm’s national Chairman on January 1, 2012, was quoted as saying: “This combination offers great value and benefits for each firm and its clients. Both firms are known as leaders in their areas of practice, our cultures mesh well, and we will now offer a broader array of services to clients. Moreover, our enhanced Seattle platform will provide even more support for Pacific Northwest regional work, including our work on energy and natural resource projects in Alaska and for Alaska Native interests generally.”

Van Ness Feldman was founded in 1977, and has nearly 100 professionals in Washington, DC and Seattle, WA. The firm assists clients with managing their interactions with the U.S. government and structure successful projects, investments, and commercial ventures.

Founded in Seattle in 1979, GordonDerr is a preeminent Pacific Northwest law firm concentrating in real estate, land use, environmental law, water law, and civil litigation.

Bryan Cave and Holme Roberts said to be in Merger Talks

chelsei — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:39:05 +0000

According to reports made by the St. Louis Business Journal in Los Angeles. Bryan Cave and Denver-based Holme Roberts & Owen are said to be engaged in discussions about a potential tie-up.

Representatives from both of the firms refused to comment on the possible merger talks when contacted Monday by the Am Law Daily. But earlier this month, Holme Roberts’ managing partner Randall Miller acknowledged hat his firm was having conversations with potential suitors. The Am Law Daily also previously reported on Miller’s effort to restructure Holme Roberts following a series of high-profile partner defections and staff layouts.

Miller, who took over the leadership of Holme Roberts in the month of May, told the Daily Journal that his 175-lawyer firm was eager to bolster its national profile.

”Having regional rates while having a larger and more robust practice is always a goal of ours.” Miller told the papers. ”We have never had a particular time frame in mind [to broker a merger or acquisition]. But the sooner we do, the happier we’ll be.”

Also, when he was asked about the report on Monday, Miller had said that, ”we don’t comment on speculation.”
Holme Roberts received a boost when the firm won a $22.6 million breach-of-contract verdict earlier this month for Union Pacific Railroad in state court in California, the Daily Journal reports. According to the most recent Am Law 200 financial data, Holme Robets had gross revenues of $104 million and profits per partner of $380,000. Meanwhile, Bryan Cave saw its gross revenue fell almost 3 percent in 2010 to $539.5 million, while the profits rose 14.6 percent to $705,000.

Bryan Cave, who is a 900-lawyer firm with roots in St. Louis, merged with New York’s Robinson Silverman Pearce Aronsohn & Berman in 2002 and Atlanta-based Powell Goldstein in 2008. According to the annual head count data compiled by sibling publication The National Law Journal, the combined firm has trimmed almost 100 lawyers from its ranks in the past year.

The ABA Journal item quoted an article in The Daily Journal, which is a California-based legal publication, which cited unidentified ”sources working closely with both of the firms.” Unfortunately, the Daily Journal article didn’t say anything about when the deal was expected to close.

The firm went through reconstructing earlier this year that included administrative staff cuts of about 10-15 percent of its full-time equivalent staffing. HRO also lost 29 of its attorneys in its Salt Lake City office to Denver-based Holland & Hart in May.

Whether this merger talks are true or not, though it’s probably true because of all the talk that has been going around, things could only make the company better. This merger would definitely benefit everyone that is involved.

Merger Craze Continues As Ohio Firms Unite

chelsei — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:40:30 +0000

According to a report issued last month by legal consultancy Atlman Weil, the law firm merger mania that led to 14 tie-ups being announced in the third quarter is showing no sign of slowing in the waning months of the year as a stagnant economy and a desire among regionally focused shops to expand close to home help fuel the trend.

Taft Stenttinius & Hollister, which is one of Ohio’s largest firms, announced on Tuesday that it is acquiring 30-lawyer Columbus shop Chester Willcox & Saxbe. According to the Dayton Business Journal, once the firms officially combine operations–an event expected to occur by January 2–the newly merged entity will have roughly 330 lawyers in four offices in Ohio, as well as outposts in Covington, Kentucky; Indianapolis; and Phoenix. Founded in 1885, Taft Stettinius’s partners have, over time, included two sons of former President William Howard Taft.

Meanwhile, according to sibling production The Recorder, McKenna Long & Aldridge and California form Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps are discussing a possible combination of their own.

The Recorder reports that Luce Forward chairman Kurt Kicklighter confirmed to The Recorder that his firm is in merger talks with McKenna Long, whose roots are in Atlanta and Washington D.C. also that no agreement has been reached and the partnerships of either firm have yet to vote on such accord.

Kicklighter also told The Recorder that his firm is reconsidering its strategy to become a California-wide firm after finding national firms interested in their operations. Luce Forward also held merger talks with Nixon Peabody over the summer, followed by discussions with Cozen O’Connor (those talks ended last month), reported The Recorder. Kicklighter declined to comment on the merger discussions held with any of the firms other than McKenna Long.

According to the most recent Am Law 200 financial data, Luce Forward’s gross revenues rose 3.6 percent to $101.5 million in 2010, while the profits per partner soared 33.7 percent to $675,000. However, the real estate downturn in the Golden State has nonetheless hurt the 145-lawyer firm’s bottom line. Kicklighter told The Reporter that Luce Forward’s 2011 revenue is likely to fall short of the 2010 figure.

McKenna Long chairman Jeff Haidet said in a statement to The Reporter that his firm shares ”similar cultures and strategic plans” with Luce Forward and that both of the firms are ”interested in exploring opportunities to bolster our practices and services.”

McKenna Long is the product of a 2002 merger between Atlanta-based Long Aldridge & Norman and D.C. -based McKenna & Cuneo. According to the most recent Am Law 100 financial survey, the 425-lawyers firm’s gross revenues rose 2.4 percent to $276.5 million in 2010, while profits per partner jumped 11.4 percent to $925,000.

Elsewhere, Holme Roberts & Owen managing partner Randall Miller spoke with the Denver Business Journal on Friday about conversations he has been having with the possible suitors.

DOJ Confirms Appointment of Munger Tolles & Olson Partner Pomerantz to Trial Team in Antitrust Case Against AT&T

rebneely — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:20:00 +0000

According to the November 22nd wsj.com blog, “Munger Tolles’s Merger-Buster Joins DOJ Team”, the Justice Department confirmed in recent days that it had hired Glenn Pomerantz, a partner in the Los Angeles office of Munger, Tolles & Olson, and an experienced litigator, to strengthen its trial team for its antitrust case against AT&T’s $39 billion takeover of T-Mobile USA.

Pomerantz, per the blog, has been hired as a “special government employee,” a spokeswoman said. This is the same designation given to David Boies in 1998; at that time he led the government’s antitrust case against Microsoft.

Per the blog, the spokeswoman was quoted as saying Pomerantz is “an experienced litigator with substantial expertise in trying complex litigation matters.” In addition, she was quoted as saying that he would be the “perfect complement to the team of experienced telecommunications staff, led by deputy attorney general Joe Wayland.”

In his private practice, Pomerantz has worked mostly with entertainment and media companies. He represented the major Hollywood studios and music labels. In 2011, he won a $105 million settlement for the record labels from the defunct online music sharing service LimeWire.

The hire is further evidence that the Justice Department is preparing for battle, even as AT&T tries to settle out of court. Attorney General Eric Holder recently was quoted as saying of the situation in the blog: “There is a trial team that is in place and they are ready and eager to go to court.”

Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP (MTO) is a California law firm that has offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Charles Munger founded the firm in 1962 with six other lawyers. The firm is known for its defense of corporations in civil law suits and individuals in criminal trials and investigations. In 2008, Munger, Tolles & Olson ranked as the nation’s top law firm on the American Lawyer A-List based on financial performance, pro bono practice, associate satisfaction and workplace diversity. With nearly 200 attorneys, MTO’s work is national in scope. The firm’s principal areas of practice include bankruptcy, corporate, environmental, labor and employment, litigation, real estate and tax.

In the November 29^th news.cnet.com article, “FCC report slams AT&T’s takeover of T-Mobile”, the FCC, in a nearly 110 page report, said a merger of the two wireless carriers “would substantially lessen competition and its accompanying innovation, investment, and consumer price and service benefits.”

The FCC released the report in spite of AT&T’s and T-Mobile’s objections. It also accused the carriers of making misleading statements about the benefits of the merger.

Per the article, the report states: “The staff finds the applicants’ assertions that the transaction would create jobs in the United States to be inconsistent with AT&T’s internal analyses and record statements concerning cost reductions from the merger. The staff also finds that there are serious questions whether the merger of AT&T and T-Mobile would cause other public harms that are not offset by the claimed benefits.”

Law Firm Merger Talks about Proceeding into Asia, and Ending in Europe

chelsei — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:45:47 +0000

According to the Financial Times, partners from top Australian firm Mallesons Stephen Jaques have voted in favor of a proposed merger with leading domestic Chinese firm King & Wood.

According to the U.K. publication Legal Week, Mallesons partners voted on the merger on Wednesday, with their colleagues at King & Wood expected to hold a similar vote on Thursday. The British legal newspaper reported that if approved, a combined firm called King & Wood Mallesons would go live some time during the first quarter in 2012.

The Am Law Daily actually reported about the discussions between Mallesons and King & Wood over the summer. A combined firm would more than 2,000 employees in offices throughout Australia and China, as well as outposts in Hong Kong, New York, Palo Alto and London. According to The American Lawyer’s Global 100 rankings, Mallesons had a gross revenue of $452.5 million and profits per partner of nearly $1.2 million in 2010.

”Mallesons confirms that it is in discussions with leading PRC law firm, King & Wood,” Sue Ashe, a King & Wood spokesman, said in a statement. ”Out discussions are ongoing and part of an ongoing process. Until that process concludes, we have nothing further to add.”

A new request for a comment on the merger vote sent to King & Wood was not returned by the time of this story. Should the two firms agree to proceed with their new merger, then it would be a first in many areas.

Ward Bower, who is a principle with legal consultancy Altman Weil, said that a merger between King & Wood and Mallesons would represent the largest merger deal ever involving a domestic Chinese firm. Bower adds that, such a tie-up would also continue the trend toward international firms seeking inroads in Australia.

Bower said that the pace at which U.K. firms are moving into mineral- and natural-resource rich Australia has quickened over the past few years. Bower also cited several major moves by global players as fitting into the trend.

”As you can see, there is a lot going on in Australia, especially the number of U.K. firms looking at that market,” said Bower. ”There is also an incredible amount of trade between China and Australia, especially when it comes to natural resources, and I think you can expect any combined firm to try and capture some of that work.”

Bower has said that he is particularly keen to find out what the next step by a combined King & Wood Mallesons should be. He noted that Mallesons held merger talks with several British firms over the past few years–all discussions with Clifford Chance were called off in December 2008–an that a Western suitor may seek to merge with any combined operation.

”The key is the second step for King & Wood Mallesons, whether it is with a U.K. or U.S. firm,” says Bower, also adding that he has no firsthand knowledge about the merger talks between the firms.

UK Law Firm Norton Rose Seals Second Canadian Merger

katie — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 22:49:30 +0000

The United Kingdom based law firm, Norton Rose, has made a second move towards expanding its practice. This week the firm announced its second deal that will expand the firms reach and protect its interests. This merger, which is the second in as many years, is a joining with a Canadian-based firm Macleod Dixon.
Macleod Dixon is a firm that is well known for its work as an energy and resources-focused practice.

The move was designed to help Norton Rose both to grow is current mining and energy business and to allow it to expand into new areas of the globe. Those areas targeted for expansion by this strategic merger will include both South America and Central Asia.

When the merger is completed the firm of Norton Rose will become a group with a combined turnover of more than $1.25 billion. The merger, which is not set to be completed until January of 2012, will also create a legal powerhouse. The new combined firm is expected to become one of the world’s top five top international legal practices by headcount. The estimated headcount of the firm will be roughly
2,900 lawyers, who will span 43 different offices worldwide. Of those 2900 lawyers more than 200 will specialize in energy law and about 200 will specialize in mining law. Lawyers specifically added to the firm will come from areas such as Colombia, Venezuela and Kazakhstan. Before the merger Norton Rose was able to boast a staff of about 2600 lawyers.

Several members of the management staff at Macleod Dixon will be working closely with the management of Norton Rose after the merger is completed. John Coleman, currently of Macleod Dixon, will stay at the office as the managing partner of Norton Rose Canada. Bill Tuer, currently a managing partner of Macleod Dixon, will join Norton Rose Group as a member of its executive committee.

While being a firm of this size is an impressive achievement it will still leave Norton Rose a bit short of joining the “magic circle” of top London law firms but they hope to be able to join that group after making a successful merger with an American law firm. At the current moment no specific firms have been mentioned as the target for the next merger, though the company hopes to join with one in the next two to five years. A great deal will depend on what firms are looking to merge, and the cultural fit of the organizations in question.

“Ultimately, we have to be there, for sure. It’s an imperative but it’s not time critical,” Chief Executive Peter Martyr told a reporter from Reuters. “There will be a time for us to do it with a firm or firms that suit, or see the world the way we see it.”

For now any talks about which the company may choose to merge with next are all speculation. Norton Rose currently has offices in: Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Athens, Bahrain, Bangkok, Beijing, Brisbane, Brussels, Calgary, Canberra, Cape Town, Dubai, Durban, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, London, Melbourne, Milan, Montréal, Moscow, Munich, Ottawa, Paris, Perth, Piraeus, Prague, Québec, Rome, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Warsaw and from associate offices in Dar es Salaam, Ho Chi Minh City and Jakarta.

Archer & Greiner Merges with Herten Burstein, Forming NJ’s 4th Largest Law Firm

rebneely — Mon, 02 May 2011 15:28:34 +0000

Archer & Greiner PC and Herten, Burstein, Sheridan, Cevasco, Bottinelli, Litt & Harz LLC recently announced that the firms will combine effective today. The merger will create the fourth largest firm in New Jersey.

The merged firm will have the name of Archer & Greiner PC.

Archer & Greiner President Christopher R. Gibson was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “An office in northern New Jersey has been a strategic goal for Archer & Greiner for some time. We have been waiting to capitalize on the right opportunity to expand into the important North Jersey market, and Herten Burstein presents the perfect strategic alliance by which to extend our services to clients throughout the state, to build on the pharmaceutical and mass tort practice of Herten Burstein and to open opportunities for our regional, national and multinational clients in other markets as well, such as New York City.”

Before the merger, Archer & Greiner had 170 attorneys. Founded in 1928, the firm is headquartered in Haddonfield, NJ and has additional offices in Princeton and Flemington. Its additional seven offices are in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New York.

Founded in 1987, Herten Burstein has 31 attorneys in its main office in Hackensack, N.J., another office in New York City, and is one of the premier firms in northern New Jersey.

The addition of the Hackensack location will greatly expand Archer & Greiner’s presence in New Jersey, and increase the total workforce to around 450 people. That includes nearly 200 attorneys, almost 50 paralegals and about 200 support staff. The firms’ clients range from large multi-national corporations to small businesses and individuals.

Herten Burstein founding member Thomas J. Herten was quoted as saying: “Joining with Archer & Greiner adds depth to our existing practices, strengthens our client service capabilities and expands our regional presence. Both firms have a similar client-centered focus and culture of excellence. Bringing them together will enable us to provide comprehensive legal services and significantly benefit clients throughout the region. I foresee tremendous synergy between the two firms and exciting new opportunities. The merger is a definite win-win on all levels.”

Two Major Firms Merge In Oklahoma City

todd — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 19:48:56 +0000

Two major firms in Oklahoma City, Crowe & Dunlevy and Day, Edwards, Prpester & Christensen have merged to form a nearly 140-lawyer large (with over 100 of those lawyers coming from Crowe & Dunlevy) firm.

Roger Strong, president of Crowe, said, “With the resources and strong national reputations of both firms, this is truly a win-win for our clients.”

According to Bruce Day, president of Day, Edwards, Propester & Christensen, “We knew joining forces with Crowe & Dunlevy, which was ranked 6^th in the nation in U.S. News Media Group and Best Lawyers 2010 Best Law Firms in the number of practice areas with first tier rankings, would allow us to provide our clients with a broader level of legal services. With a similar client-focused philosophy and culture of excellence, together we will offer even greater value to our clients.”

Bruce Day and Tara LaClair have been appointed directors at the new firm. Day and LaClair will serve as chair and vice chair, respectively, of the firm’s securities litigation practice group.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 11:57:02 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Wednesday, March 2, and this is a quick look back at this week’s news…

The partnership has approved DLA Piper’s merger with its Australian partner…

Congress has reached a deal to temporarily avoid a shutdown…

Democrats in Congress have introduced an ethics bill that would cover the Supreme Court…

Barnes & Thornburg is entering the LA market…

and Gibson Dunn had a record breaking year in 2010…

Morning Roundup

joshua — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 23:16:26 +0000

Good morning everybody! Today is Tuesday, November 9th. Here’s a look back at yesterday’s stories.

Ballard Spahr will open its 13th office with the addition of a group of attorneys from the San Diego litigation boutique La Bella & McNamara LLP…

The partnerships at Squire Sanders & Dempsey and U.K-based Hammonds agreed to merge over the weekend…

Weitz & Luxenburg partner Robert J. Gordon was named the 2011 Mass Tort Litigator of the Year by legal publication Best Lawyers…

The partnership of Clifford Chance elected Malcolm Sweeting as the firm’s next senior partner…

The National Law Journal reported overall headcount at the nation’s 250 largest law firms fell for a second straight year…

Greenberg Traurig added six attorneys to its Orange County office, in its Real Estate, Real Estate Funds and REIT practices…

Squire Sanders, Hammonds Agree to Latest Transatlantic Merger

joshua — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 20:27:03 +0000

Reports from both sides of the Atlantic Monday confirmed that the partnerships at Squire Sanders & Dempsey and U.K-based Hammonds agreed to merge over the weekend. The joint effort is set to begin Jan. 1.

The firm will have approximately 1,275 lawyers in 37 offices and 17 countries, which would place it among the top 25 legal practices in the world based on number of lawyers. Squire Sanders Chairman James J. Maiwurm will be global chief executive officer and chair. Hammonds Managing Partner Peter Crossley will be managing partner for Europe. The combined firm will be structured as a Swiss Verein and governed by a 13-person global board elected by the partners.

In explaining the merger, Maiwurm noted “an accelerating business climate” and said its clients “consider cost-effective global counsel the norm, not the exception. The combination of our firms is designed for the times and positioned for the future.”

A report by AM Law Daily said the merged firm will keep the Squire, Sanders & Dempsey name, but will be known as Squire Sanders Hammonds in the parts of the world where Hammonds has a presence.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 12:50:46 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Thursday, November 4th. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

Although California’s controversial measure to legalize and tax medicinal marijuana failed, several cities joined with Oakland in imposing city-based taxes…

Ira “Ike” Sorkin, perhaps best known for his role representing Bernie Madoff, will leave Dickstein Shapiro for Lowenstein Sandler…

A settlement was reached in the Google Buzz class action suit…

Kilpatrick Stockton will merge with IP firm Townsend and Townsend…

Kilpatrick Stockton to Merge with IP Firm Townsend and Townsend

joshua — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 16:02:05 +0000

Kilpatrick Stockton and intellectual property firm Townsend and Townsend and Crew have agreed to merge, effective Jan. 1. The combined firm, to be known as Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, will encompass 650 attorneys in 17 offices.

Bill Dorris of Kilpatrick Stockton will serve as chair of the combined firm’s. Diane Prucino of Kilpatrick Stockton and Maureen Sheehy of Townsend will serve as the firm’s co-managing partners.

“The leadership at Kilpatrick Townsend is excited about bringing these two premier firms together to create one of the world’s leading, multi-practice law firms,” Sheehy said. “Townsend is a renowned marketplace leader in its core strength of intellectual property and will enhance Kilpatrick Stockton’s already exceptional scope of client services.”

Kilpatrick Townsend will have 17 offices extending into the four corners of the continental United States; Asia; and Europe, including: Atlanta, GA; Augusta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Denver, CO; New York, NY; Oakland, CA; Palo Alto, CA; Raleigh, NC; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; Walnut Creek, CA; Washington, DC; Winston-Salem, NC; Dubai; Stockholm; and Tokyo.

“Because both firms have known each other for years and share a dedication to offering excellent service, clients will see a seamless transition as our two notable firms become one,” Prucino said. “Both firms highly value client service and are committed to making a difference in the 17 communities they serve – from pro bono to volunteerism. That makes me particularly proud.”

The merger with Townsend comes one month after Kilpatrick Stockton announced its merger with Oakland-based construction firm Bell, Rosenberg & Hughes.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 22:59:20 +0000

Good morning everybody! Today is Friday, October 22nd. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

UK-based Simmons & Simmons, which cut off merger talks with U.S.-based Mayer Brown this summer, is still considering entering the U.S. market through a merger with a U.S. firm…

The partnership of Jones Walker re-elected William H. Hines as managing partner of the firm…

Schiff Hardin added three attorneys to its environmental practice…

Tracy E. Miller, a prominent health care lawyer, joined Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP…

Greenberg Traurig Attorney Nelson Migdal will lead distressed hotel symposium…

Eversheds was named Europe’s ‘Most Innovative’ law firm…

Simmons & Simmons Keeping Eye on U.S. Market

joshua — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 22:04:22 +0000

U.K-based Simmons & Simmons, which cut off merger talks with U.S.-based Mayer Brown this summer, is still considering entering the U.S. market through a merger with a U.S. firm, LegalWeek is reporting.

Though emphasizing that such a merger is not a “key strategic target” of the firm, the story revealed Simmons & Simmons management informed its membership during a partners’ weekend earlier this month that such a merger remains a possibility.

“The basic message is that a US merger is not a driver of our strategy but that we remain open-minded about the option,” Managing Partner Mark Dawkins told LegalWeek.

Simmons & Simmons currently has a presence in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. It is rated a top-15 firm in the U.K, according to LegalWeek.

Dickie McCamey Expands into Ohio With Merger

joshua — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 20:34:24 +0000

Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, P.C., one of Pittsburgh’s largest law firms, has expanded into Columbus, Ohio, through a merger with Golian McCaffrey, LLC.

With this acquisition, Dickie McCamey now has offices in Columbus, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Delaware, New Jersey, Charlotte, Steubenville, and West Virginia, along with the firm’s headquarters in Pittsburgh.

Jeffrey T. Wiley, managing director of Dickie McCamey, said joining an established firm like Golian McCaffrey “will allow us to expand in Ohio immediately because our practices are complimentary.”

Joe Golian and Pat McCaffrey, principals in Golian McCaffrey LLC since 1995, will be shareholders in Dickie McCamey. Also joining the firm is Audrey E. Varwig as an associate.

Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, P.C. is a nationally recognized litigation firm providing comprehensive legal expertise, as well as non-litigation services, in a multitude of practice areas. It is headquartered in Pittsburgh and was founded more than 100 years ago.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 14:20:37 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Wednesday, October 6th. Here’s a quick recap of yesterday’s stories.

Kilpatrick Stockton and Bell, Rosenberg & Hughes announced their merger…

Chadbourne & Parke LLP added two partners to its New York Office…

Kilpatrick Stockton and Bell, Rosenberg & Hughes Announce Merger

joshua — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 15:19:30 +0000

Kilpatrick Stockton and Bell, Rosenberg & Hughes announced the merger of their firms yesterday. The combined firm will be known as Kilpatrick Stockton.

The two firms bring together many of the nation’s leading construction and infrastructure development attorneys. They represent a broad spectrum of clients across California, the United States, and the Middle East.

Ten attorneys, including five partners, one counsel, and four associates will be joining Kilpatrick Stockton. Bill Dorris and Diane Prucino will continue to serve as Kilpatrick Stockton Managing Partners. Roger Hughes will serve as the Managing Partner of the Oakland office.

According to the press release at the firm’s website, Bill Dorris, a Managing Partner of Kilpatrick Stockton was quoted as saying: “This merger represents a combination of two cultures that are absolutely committed to providing outstanding client service. This action further solidifies Kilpatrick Stockton’s reputation as the go-to firm for construction and infrastructure projects. It was obvious from the beginning that this would be a perfect fit. We are excited about our new presence in California and look forward to working even closer with our many existing clients based on the West Coast and meeting our new clients.”

Kilpatrick Stockton’s Construction and Infrastructure Development Practice is ranked as one of the nation’s best by Chambers USA and earned a national top tier ranking in the inaugural US News Media Group and Best Lawyers “2010 Best Law Firms” rankings.

Kilpatrick Stockton will have 10 offices. These include offices in Atlanta, Augusta, Charlotte, New York City, Oakland, Raleigh, Washington, DC, and Winston-Salem, and in the Middle East and Europe.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 13:06:45 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Wednesday, September 29th. Here’s a quick recap of yesterday’s stories.

Orrick and Akin Gump began merger talks…

Greenberg Traurig added two attorneys to its Corporate and Securities practice…

The Florida Supreme Court declined U.S. Rep Alan Grayson’s request to halt the foreclosures being handled by three South Florida law firms under investigation…

Orrick and Akin Gump in Merger Talks

ashley — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 02:42:07 +0000

Mergers between large law firms are becoming more and more common lately. Following the trend, firms Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, LLP are in talks of a merger which have been called by representatives on both sides “preliminary.”

Founded in 1863 in San Francisco, Orrick has striven to build relationships with its clients and develop a solid basis for its firm. Orrick is now a worldwide law firm with 22 different offices and over 1,100 lawyers.

Akin Gump has been around since 1945. The firm is one of the world’s largest and has also spanned the globe with 14 offices and more than 800 lawyers. Akin Gump has offices across the United States, Switzerland, England, Russia, China, and The United Arab Emirates.

This is not the first merger talk that Orrick has been a part of, though a merger of Orrick and Akin Gump would create a global firm that would be comprised of over 1,740 attorneys.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:47:26 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Tuesday, September 7th. Here’s a quick recap of Friday’s stories.

More details emerged in proposed Squire Sanders, Hammonds Merger…

Nixon Peabody elected four new members to its partnership…

Lathrop & Gage merged with Denver Based Kamlet Reichert…

Proposed Squire Sanders, Hammonds Merger Inching Forward

joshua — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:55:38 +0000

More details are emerging in the proposed transatlantic merger of Squire Sanders & Dempsey and U.K.-based Hammonds.

According to a report in Legal Week, Squire Sanders Chairman Jim Maiwurm would become the new firm’s global chairman, while Hammonds Managing Partner Peter Crossley would likely take the role of European chair.

The firms would also “retain separate profit pools,” according to the report, which is similar to the business model adopted when Lovells merged with Hogan & Hartson and Denton Wilde Sapte combined with Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal earlier this year.

Additionally, Squire Sanders London office would be relocated to the Hammonds facility.

The merger could go live as soon as Jan. 1, as the firms partners are expected to vote in the coming months. Hammonds would need 75 percent approval from its partners while Squire Sanders would require a two-thirds majority, Legal Week reports.

Lathrop & Gage Merges With Denver Based Kamlet Reichert

joshua — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:08:10 +0000

Denver law firm Kamlet Reichert LLC will merge with Kansas City, Mo.-based Lathrop & Gage LLP, the oldest law firm west of the Mississippi.

The merger will create a full-service firm with strengths in business transactions, real estate, oil and gas, and litigation and intellectual property.

The combined firm will be called Lathrop & Gage. It will have 37 lawyers in Denver and rank among Colorado’s 20 largest law firms.

According to today’s article at denverpost.com, Jay Kamlet, firm partner was quoted as saying: ”It really brings us areas we weren’t able to do before — oil and gas and intellectual property.”

According to the article, Kamlet said Kamlet Reichert had been approached by a number of law firms about merging in the last six years, but had considered just three other offers. A deal never worked out because of philosophical and cultural differences between the firms, as well as reluctance to break existing leases to combine offices.

The merger comes just one month after Kamlet Reichert LLC celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Founded in 1873, Lathrop & Gage boasts a long tradition of success. The firm has 300 lawyers in 11 offices in six states. While the firm offers the depth and strength of a national firm, it also possesses the hands-on service, management style and aggressive competition of a smaller firm.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:53:41 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Thursday, August 26th. Here’s a quick recap of yesterday’s stories.

A one-day Managing Partner Forum will be held at the Harvard Club of Boston on November 4th…

Squire Sanders and Hammonds are involved in merger talks…

Chadbourne & Parke added a veteran capital markets attorney to its Moscow office…

Well-known sports and entertainment agent Gregg Clifton returned to Jackson Lewis after more than 25 years…

Squire Sanders, Hammonds in Merger Talks

joshua — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:17:28 +0000

Another transatlantic merger could be in the offing, according to multiple reports. The latest would involve U.S.-based Squire Sanders & Dempsey and U.K-based Hammonds.

According to a report from AM Law Daily, which broke the news, partners at both firms were briefed on the merger talks Tuesday. Squire Sander Chair James J. Maiwurn and Hammonds Managing Partner Peter Crossley confirmed that merger talks have been ongoing in a written statement.

“While we are still at an early stage, our discussions to date indicate that such a merger would appeal strongly to clients that want high-quality legal services from lawyers who have global experience and who understand and respect client demand for value,” Maiwurm said in the statement.

A merger would create a combined firm with 1,300 lawyers in 17 countries. It would be one of the top 50 firms in the world with revenues topping $625 million.

A vote of the firm’s partners could come by the end of the year.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:40:50 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Wednesday, June 30th. Here’s a quick recap of yesterday’s stories.

Thompson Hine bolstered its Washington D.C. product liability practice group with the addition of Fern Phillips O’Brian…

Yesterday was Day 2 of the Kagan confirmation hearings…

Mayer Brown and Simmons & Simmons broke off merger negotiations…

Law firms sought recovery for creating ‘common benefit’ in 2003 Staten Island ferry disaster…

Mayer Brown, Simmons & Simmons Break Off Merger Talks

joshua — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:30:02 +0000

Merger negotiations between Mayer Brown and Simmons & Simmons have been discontinued, according to a report from LegalWeek Tuesday.

The two firms had been discussing a potential transatlantic merger over the last several weeks, but a joint statement from the firms released Tuesday said those plans have been scrapped, at least for the time being.

“Simmons & Simmons and Mayer Brown have held preliminary discussions with regard to the potential for a merger.,” the statement reads. “Mergers are complex and present a number of issues which need to be resolved before discussions can proceed. We have concluded that a combination between our firms is not the right option. There is, however, considerable goodwill and continuing respect on both sides.”

The merger would have followed the transatlantic unions forged earlier this year between Hogan & Hartson and Lovells and Sonnenschein and Denton Wilde.

According to previous reports, the merger between Mayer Brown and Simmons & Simmons would have potentially given Mayer Brown a significant boost in the United Kingdom while Simmons & Simmons would substantially bolster its presence in Asia.

Is Yet Another Merger Forthcoming?

joshua — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 22:20:03 +0000

Discussions are underway for what would potentially become the third transatlantic merger to take place this year, according to a report from the Lawyer. U.S.-based Mayer Brown and U.K-based Simmons & Simmons have reportedly reopened talks on such a move and both firms are slated to outline the proposal to their partnerships next week.

The merger would follow the transatlantic unions forged earlier this year between Hogan & Hartson and Lovells and Sonnenschein and Denton Wilde. According to the report, the merger between Mayer Brown and Simmons & Simmons would potentially give Mayer Brown a significant presence in the United Kingdom while Simmons & Simmons would substantially bolster its presence in Asia.

The firms reportedly reopened merger talks after partners at Simmons “demanded” from management details on a potential merger.

Mayer Brown, which is based in Chicago, is coming off a tough 2009 that saw significant declines in revenue and profits. Earlier this year the firm, which has 22 offices in 10 countries, axed 28 associates and 47 staffers.

SNR Partners Consider Leaving Prior to Merger with Denton

joshua — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 23:33:20 +0000

A week after partners at Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal and Denton Wilde Sapte officially approved a merger between the two firms, a major shakeup could be brewing. According to The Lawyer, some partners in a 100-strong group that SNR hired from the dissolved firm of Thacher Proffitt in late 2008 are actively trying to leave the firm.

According to the report, many of the Thacher Proffitt partners received slightly stronger compensation packages than their SNR colleagues and, as a result, resentment grew among the firm’s partnership.

Additionally, the ex-Thacher Proffitt partners were contractually required to remain with SNR through July 1 of this year or face a penalty. Now with that date quickly approaching, speculation is a major exodus could be forthcoming.

While no one at the firm would acknowledge on the record that any such action was being considered, The Lawyer cited unnamed sources in reporting that several senior lawyers had already interviewed with other firms.

The merged firm of SNR and Denton is slated to go live Sept. 30 as SNR Denton. It will be one of the world’s largest firms with more than 1,400 lawyers and professionals operating in 18 countries.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:47:46 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Thursday, June 10th. Here’s a quick recap of yesterday’s stories.

Scott Rothstein, who admitted to operating a $1.2 billion Ponzi scheme, was sentenced to 50 years in prison by a Florida judge…

The proposed transatlantic merger between Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal and Denton Wilde Sapte was approved by the firm’s partnerships…

According to the quarterly Robert Half Legal Hiring Index the legal world is optimistic more jobs will be forthcoming in the third quarter of the year…

Former Lindquist & Vennum partner Michael Scott Margulies pled guilty to embezzling around $2 million from his clients and the firm…

Dechert announced plans to open an office in Dublin, Ireland…

Trovillion, Inveiss & Demakis added two partners…

Partners Approve Merger of Sonnenschein and Denton

joshua — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 20:34:37 +0000

The proposed transatlantic merger between Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal and Denton Wilde Sapte was approved by the firm’s partnerships Wednesday. The new firm will launch September 30 as SNR Denton and will be one of the world’s largest firms with more than 1,400 lawyers and professionals operating in 18 countries.

SNR Chairman Elliott Portnoy and Denton CEO Howard Morris will serve as co-CEO’s of the combined firm.

“Today’s votes will create a truly international firm that will focus on the needs of our clients and on the quality of our service,” Portnoy said in a press release. “The response of our clients since we shared our intent to combine the firms has been exceptional.”

The combined firm, which will have its largest offices in London and New York, will have complementary practices in eight sectors: Financial Institutions and Funds; Energy, Transport and Infrastructure; Insurance; Real Estate, Retail and Hotels; Technology, Media & Telecommunications; Health and Life Sciences; Manufacturing; and Government.

The press release notes that while the two firms will offer complementary practices, they have distinct geographic footprints that do not overlap and there are no planned office closures. The combination will be structured as a Swiss Verein similar to other professional services and law firm combinations, which are composed of member firms but each operates as a separate legal entity.

SNR was founded in Chicago in 1906, while Denton was established in London in the late 1700s.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Thu, 27 May 2010 12:51:35 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Thursday, May 27th. Here’s a quick recap of yesterday’s stories.

Report: Varied Billing Rates Could Provide Bargaining Chip…

Twin Cities Attorney Charged With Embezzlement…

Mintz Levin Awarded Presitgious ABA Pro Bono Award…

Sonnenschein, Denton Agree on Merger…

Sonnenschein, Denton Agree on Merger

joshua — Wed, 26 May 2010 21:04:15 +0000

Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP and Denton Wilde Sapte LLP have agreed to merge into a single integrated global firm that will boast approximately 1,400 lawyers in 18 countries.

The combined firm, dubbed SNR Denton, would be one of the top 25 law firms in the world based on size, according to a press release. The merger is subject to a partnership vote by each firm, which is slated for June 9.

SNR Denton’s two largest offices would be in London and New York. The firm will have eight key practice areas: Financial Institutions and Funds; Energy, Transport and Infrastructure; Insurance; Real Estate, Retail and Hotels; Technology, Media & Telecommunications; Health and Life Sciences; Manufacturing; and Government.

SNR chairman Elliot Portnoy and Denton CEO Howard Morris will serve as co-CEO of the new firm.

Morris, who said negotiations on the merger had been ongoing for several months, commented on the move in the release.

“This combination is the next step in our vision to create an elite, client-focused international firm that is about one thing – quality,” Morris said. “Both firms have long enjoyed reputations as being world class, and now together we’ll have the assets and professional resources to carry that forward to new sectors, new practices, and new markets. As one firm, we will be able to serve our clients better.”

Martin Kitchen of Denton and Joseph Andrews of SNR will serve as co-chairmen of SNR Denton.

Trans-global mergers are de rigueur these days in the corporate legal world, reports the Chicago Tribune. Earlier this month, DC based Hogan & Hartson also completed a merger with the London firm Lovell. Look forward to seeing more of these marriages as American firms attempt to gain leverage in the global marketplace.

Founded in 1906, Sonnenschein’s attorneys and professionals provide innovative legal services. It has thirteen offices in the U.S. and Europe, and a global reach throughout the Americas, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Denton’s founding dates back to the late 1700s in London.