Failed Merger Splits Las Vegas Firm, Top Partners Lead Group to Greenberg Traurig
Three top partners are leaving one of the largest law firms in Las Vegas and leading a group to Greenberg Traurig in the wake of an apparent failed merger, according to the Las Vegas Sun and the Am Law Daily.
Founding partners Thomas Kummer and Mark Ferrario and chairman Michael Bonner are among a seven-partner group from Kummer Kaempfer Bonner Renshaw & Ferrario that will be joining Greenberg Traurig in June, according to the law blog. In addition to Kummer, Bonner and Ferrario, the other partners in the group joining the Greenberg firm are John Brewer, John Jeppsen, Gregg Verneys and Brandon Roos. An unspecified number of associates and staff members will make the move with them.
Earlier this year, when Kummer Kaempfer terminated up to 16 lawyers and staff, some said the move was in anticipation of a merger with Greenberg Traurig, which has apparently failed, according to the Sun. The newspaper cites about 10 layoffs, but the law blog says there were 16, including nine associates.
Bob Gronauer continues to serve as managing partner of Kummer Kaempfer, at which founding partner Chris Kaempfer remains in a group of 13 partners.
In a written statement provided to the newspaper, Bonner describes his group’s departure as “a difficult, but cordial decision that reflects the desires of certain practice groups in our firm to practice in an international firm.” His group will continue to work as co-counsel with Kummer Kaempfer on many present and future matters, he says. And, “more importantly, we will remain good friends.”
Gronauer, in a statement provided to the law blog, describes the situation as a restructuring resulting from the dismal economy: “This was an extremely difficult decision and one that we hoped to avoid,” he writes. “However, in light of the new structure, it was a necessary step given the competitiveness of the new marketplace.”
