US Law Firm Merger Seasin Is In Full Swing
Ballard Spahr and Lane Powell announced today that they have agreed to combine effective January 1, 2025. The combined firm—which will be called Ballard Spahr—will have more than 750 attorneys in 18 U.S. offices.
Lane Powell clients will gain the scope and practice depth of an Am Law 100 firm with nationally recognized offerings in corporate transactions, finance, intellectual property, litigation, and real estate. The combination will significantly increase across-the-board service offerings, including in a number of areas where one or both firms are a regional or national leader—banking and finance, real estate (particularly construction and senior living), litigation, emerging companies and M&A, private client services, and life sciences.
The combination expands Ballard Spahr’s geographic footprint into the Pacific Northwest, giving it new offices in Anchorage, Portland, and Seattle—a fast-growing, business-friendly center for emerging companies with strong industry presence in health care, manufacturing, technology, and life sciences. Seattle will be Ballard Spahr’s largest office outside of Philadelphia.
Ballard Spahr Chair Peter Michaud commented:
“Lane Powell is a first-rate law firm with strength in areas we want to expand and an excellent reputation in a region that is a strategic priority for our firm and our clients. Their lawyers have the skill and experience to help our clients solve their most complex challenges. Our firms share strength in litigation, transactions, and real estate. And we have a number of clients who would like to see us expand to the Pacific Northwest. On top of all that, the lawyers and business professionals at Lane Powell are terrific people who share our values and our commitment to clients. I came to Ballard through its merger with Lindquist & Vennum in 2018. That combination was an extraordinary success for our clients, our lawyers, and our firm. This one holds as much promise.”
Lane Powell President Barbara J. Duffy commented:
“Lane Powell celebrates its 150th anniversary next year, and last year was our most successful year to date. As our clients continue to grow, their needs are evolving. This combination allows us to materially expand the services we provide while enabling us to preserve what makes Lane Powell so special: a steadfast commitment to our incredible clients in the Pacific Northwest, a standard of service that goes above and beyond, and an inclusive culture where our outstanding professionals have the opportunity to grow and thrive. The firm we create with Ballard Spahr will leverage the strengths, traditions, and values of both firms. For a period of time, the combined firm will use the name Ballard Spahr Lane Powell in the Pacific Northwest to help introduce the firm to the area. It’s an exciting time for us and for our clients.”
ABOUT BALLARD SPAHR
Ballard Spahr LLP—an Am Law 100 law firm with more than 600 lawyers in 15 U.S. offices—serves clients across industries in litigation, transactions, and regulatory compliance. A strategic legal partner to clients, Ballard goes beyond to deliver actionable, forward-thinking counsel and advocacy powered by deep industry experience and an understanding of each client’s specific business goals. Our culture is defined by an entrepreneurial spirit, collaborative environment, and top-down focus on service, efficiency, and results. Visit https://www.ballardspahr.com/
ABOUT LANE POWELL
Founded in 1875, Lane Powell is one of the largest law firms in the Pacific Northwest, with nearly 180 attorneys across over 35 practice areas. The firm’s diverse, cutting-edge professionals tackle corporate, litigation, and regulatory challenges for individuals, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies. Built on a legacy of trusted, unparalleled service and collaboration, Lane Powell offers a modern, holistic approach to legal counsel, ensuring clients succeed in today’s dynamic environment. More information: www.lanepowell.com
