Midsize Firm

Wiley Rein lays off lawyers and staffers

Wiley Rein is attributing new layoffs to changes in client demand and a new strategic plan. Wiley Rein didn’t confirm the number of layoffs in a statement to Above the Law, but the blog obtained a statement saying that 18 partners and of counsel, 18 secretaries, and 12 administrative support…

Mar 27, 2015 6:37 AM CDT

Jenner & Block to open first overseas office; seeks to hire lawyers in London

Known for its litigation, insurance coverage and regulatory enforcement and white-collar defense work, Jenner & Block is opening its first overseas office in London, home of the famed Lloyd’s insurance market. The 400-lawyer Chicago-based firm is starting in London with two U.S.-based practitioners. It has rented an entire floor of…

Mar 24, 2015 4:00 PM CDT

Ex-client sues law firm, says it withheld ‘fugly’ assessment of $12M case while billing $1.3M

Eager to rack up attorney’s fees, a California law firm withheld from a client school district its assessment of a breach of contract case as “fugly” and ran up $1.3 million in legal bills instead of trying to settle, a malpractice suit says. Filed Tuesday, the San Diego Superior Court…

Mar 19, 2015 1:00 PM CDT

New York firms mull possible 300-attorney merger; they’re ‘dating’ but ‘not engaged,’ leader says

The managing partner of one of the largest law firms in upstate New York has confirmed that it is mulling a possible merger with Hiscock & Barclay, a 210-attorney regional firm that is also based in upstate New York. “I described it to our people the other day as, ‘yes,…

Mar 18, 2015 1:10 PM CDT

Law firm is dissolving after nearly 60 years; senior partner points finger at retirement plan

The last four years have been the most profitable in the nearly 60-year history of Harding & Shultz, a senior partner says. But the Lincoln, Nebraska, business boutique is dissolving, and Bill Harding is pointing the finger at its retirement plan, reports the Lincoln Journal Star. The son of founder…

Mar 13, 2015 9:45 AM CDT

2nd name partner exits Nelson Brown for Goldberg Segalla, along with 6 more attorneys in NC office

For the second time in less than a week, Goldberg Segalla has announced that a name partner is joining the New York-based firm from Nelson Brown Hamilton & Krekstein. The latest exit, by managing partner David Brown, along with the remaining four partners and two associates in Nelson Brown’s office…

Mar 9, 2015 2:55 PM CDT

National labor firm raids Littler and Ogletree, opens new offices in Denver and New York

Atlanta-based Constangy Brooks & Smith has raided two well-known labor and employment firms and some BigLaw competitors, gaining 12 attorneys, two new offices and an additional name partner in the process. Don Prophete, who practices in Kansas City, will be the new name on the marquee for the nearly 160-attorney…

Mar 5, 2015 1:50 PM CST

Some GrayRobinson lawyers give up traditional desks and keep it moving

Woody Pollack was thinking that a better desk chair might resolve his lower back issues. But then the GrayRobinson partner got a better idea: Why not simply eliminate the desk in his law office? He now uses a hydraulic table that can be raised and lowered and allows him to…

Mar 4, 2015 1:35 PM CST

Fowler Rodriguez acquires 2 firms in Miami, opens another Florida office

A Louisiana-based international maritime boutique has acquired two Miami law firms and has opened another office in Tampa, Florida. Fowler Rodriguez announced Thursday that Hayden Milliken & Boeringer, which focuses on maritime insurance claims, and the law offices of Santiago J. Padilla, an immigration and international law specialist, are now…

Feb 26, 2015 3:10 PM CST

Fast-growing Shook Hardy to open new office by acquiring 25-attorney Chicago firm

A rapidly expanding Kansas City-based law firm known for its litigation work is opening a new office, as of March 1, by acquiring a 25-attorney Chicago litigation boutique. The nearly 475-attorney Shook Hardy & Bacon announced on Tuesday that it is acquiring Grippo & Elden. The Chicago outpost will be…

Feb 25, 2015 3:55 PM CST

Butler Snow adds 13 lawyers to rapidly growing Nashville office by acquiring litigation boutique

For the second time in less than three years, a growing Mississippi-based law firm with national and international offices has expanded its footprint in Nashville, Tennessee. After bringing in 37 lawyers from the Nashville office of Miller & Martin in 2012, Butler Snow is adding 13 more attorneys by acquiring…

Feb 9, 2015 9:05 AM CST

Both sides proclaim victory in jury’s $140K award to ex law firm associate, but say they may appeal

Both sides proclaimed victory following a a federal jury’s award Thursday of $140,000 to a former associate of Faruqi & Faruqi, but say they may appeal aspects of the verdict won by Alexandra Marchuk in her sexual harassment case against the law firm and one of its partners. Attorney Scott…

Feb 6, 2015 11:30 AM CST

Once-storied law firm, now dissolved, files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy

Once a storied Nevada law firm known for its gaming expertise, Lionel Sawyer & Collins dissolved last month as 18 of its lawyers moved to Fennemore Craig. Now the firm, which was formed in 1947 and had more than 80 attorneys on its roster at one time, has made a…

Feb 5, 2015 4:20 PM CST

Nixon Peabody to acquire Ungaretti on Feb. 1, making Chicago its 2nd-largest office

It’s official: A major law firm is expanding its Midwestern footprint by acquiring Chicago-based Ungaretti & Harris. Nixon Peabody announced the merger Monday, which will make its Chicago office the firm’s second-largest after Boston. Formed by the merger of firms with historic roots in New York and Massachusetts, the 600-attorney…

Jan 26, 2015 12:20 PM CST

Four associates join Beck Redden partner on marquee of new Houston litigation boutique

Four lawyers who until very recently were associates at Texas commercial litigation powerhouse Beck Redden are now not only partners but name partners at a new Houston litigation boutique headed by former Beck Redden partner Murray Fogler. “Everybody is a partner, and everybody has a stake. There are no plans…

Jan 21, 2015 3:20 PM CST