Husch Blackwell expands into Wisconsin; combination adds depth and capabilities to industry-focused firm
Husch Blackwell, an industry-focused full-service law firm, and Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C. (WHD), a leading Wisconsin business and litigation law firm, today announced they will combine effective July 1, 2016. The move strengthens both firms’ commitment to providing industry knowledge and experience to clients. The combined firm will retain the Husch Blackwell name and will continue to operate in all markets where both firms currently have offices.
With the addition of WHD’s offices in Milwaukee, Madison and Waukesha County, Wis., as well as Chicago, the combined firm will have more than 700 attorneys and offices in 19 cities. Husch Blackwell and WHD had combined annual revenues of approximately $346 million in 2015, placing the firm among the Am Law 100, The American Lawyer’s annual ranking of the nation’s 100 top-grossing law firms.
“Like many law firms, we continually look for growth opportunities. But we don’t look to grow simply for the sake of growing,” said Greg Smith, CEO and Managing Partner of Husch Blackwell. “It is essential that our growth is rooted in delivering greater value to our clients, which we firmly believe is achieved through an industry-focused approach, as well as strategic and innovative initiatives to deliver the most efficient, effective service to our clients. This combination meets all of these objectives.”
“This combination will provide our clients the benefit of deeper, industry-focused experience across a broader geographic platform, which is important to us as we continue to focus on their success,” said WHD Chief Executive Paul Eberle. “In today’s business environment, our clients want their lawyers to understand their industries as well as their legal needs. We are thrilled to offer an expanded knowledge base and resources to draw from while maintaining our Midwestern sensibility and rates.”
“From the start, we were impressed with Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek, its leadership and the talented group of attorneys who have defined the firm’s success,” said Maurice Watson, Chairman of Husch Blackwell. “This combination strengthens the depth and scale of our industry groups, including technology, manufacturing, real estate and financial services. Additionally, we share a strong commitment to our clients and our communities, and place a premium on developing talent. I am excited about what we will achieve together.”
The combined firm will have offices in Milwaukee, Madison and Waukesha County, Wis.; Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield and Jefferson City, Mo.; Austin, Dallas and Houston, Texas; Chattanooga and Memphis, Tenn.; Lincoln and Omaha, Neb.; Denver, Colo.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Chicago, Ill.; Washington, D.C.; and London.