Powell Goldstein and Bryan Cave — It's Official.

11-04-08

According to the Powell Goldstein press release issued this morning, the two firms will officially combine January 1, 2009. The Atlanta office will begin doing business under Bryan Cave Powell Goldstein, a decision likely made, at least in part, because of PoGo's longstanding presence in Atlanta. The firm was set to celebrate its 100th birthday in 2009. Globally, the firm will be known as Bryan Cave LLP.


In the release, James J. McAlpin, Jr., chairman of Powell Goldstein, said:

''My partners and I are excited about the combination of our firm with Bryan Cave. Bryan Cave has both a strong national platform and an expanding international presence. The combination of the firms will provide our clients with a greater depth and range of services from a global platform. The core cultures of Powell Goldstein and Bryan Cave are remarkably  similar. Both firms have strong cultures of mutual support and respect and a commitment to client service. This combination represents the culmination of Powell Goldstein's strategic plan to significantly increase the breadth and depth of services we provide to our clients, and to greatly expand our geographic platform.''

After the merge, the firm will employ more than 1,200 attorneys and should rank among the top revenue generating law firms. The firms' combined global network will serve clients in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, London, and Hong Kong, the release said.

Don G. Lents, chairman of Bryan Cave, said the following regarding the merger:

''Bryan Cave is committed to being among the very best global law firms, and building strong and enduring relationships with our clients this combination expands our reach into key markets in the Southeast and in Texas through the addition of one of the most highly regarded firms in the region. It will enhance our ability to assist our clients in those markets, and deepens our resources in several important practice areas, such as services for financial institutions, as well as in capital markets and real estate finance.''

Recently, Bryan Cave has made other moves in an effort to expand its global presence, including opening launching new offices in Milan, Hamburg, San Francisco, and Paris.

Powell Goldstein was trying to compete with other firms, but struggled without a broader presence in markets outside the Southeast. In the Daily Report, McAlpin said, ''In order to be in the game, even for work coming into the Southeast from international companies, you've got to have an international presence.''