Smith, Currie & Hancock, a midsize law firm originally founded in Atlanta, has revealed plans to merge with another firm based in Seattle, Oles Morrison Rinker & Baker. This strategic move aims to establish a new law firm comprising 76 attorneys, Smith Currie Oles.
The decision to combine forces announced on Friday, stems from both firms' shared specialization in construction and federal government contract matters, as well as their mutual aspiration for geographical expansion. As a result, Smith Currie Oles will operate from various locations, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Fort Lauderdale, Nashville, Seattle, the Bay Area, and the Washington, D.C. area. Additionally, the firms will maintain a presence in Miami and Columbia, South Carolina.
Data compiled by legal consultancy Fairfax Associates indicates a rise in mergers involving large or midsize law firms in 2023 compared to the previous year. Notable mergers or merger plans announced this year include Allen & Overy with Shearman & Sterling, Womble Bond Dickinson with Moyles IP, Holland & Knight with Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe with Buckley, Smith, Gambrell & Russell with Freeborn & Peters, Bricker & Eckler with Graydon Head & Ritchey, and Maynard Cooper & Gale with Nexsen Pruet.
