Boston, MA, September 29, 2005 – LAWFUEL – The Law News Network – Edwards & Angell LLP and Palmer & Dodge LLP, two leading full-service law firms, today announced that they have agreed to merge, effective on or around November 1, 2005. The new top-ranked firm will offer local, national and international clients broader geographic resources, greater depth and experience and a more comprehensive range of capabilities.
The combined firm, Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP will have 520 attorneys, 9 offices and 20-plus practice areas in the United States.
“This is an exceptional day for our two firms,” Charles DeWitt, Managing Partner of Palmer & Dodge, said. “We are combining and leveraging the talent of each firm to create an emerging legal powerhouse. We believe our increased size and depth will be a platform for growth, giving us a competitive edge that will allow us to continue to attract the best lawyers, clients and work.”
Edwards & Angell, with offices in Boston, MA; New York City, NY; Providence, RI; Hartford and Stamford, CT; Short Hills, NJ; Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, FL; and Wilmington, DE is nationally recognized for its work in financial services, private equity, venture capital and technology. Boston-based Palmer & Dodge’s distinguished reputation is based on its representation of life sciences and technology companies. Combined, the new firm will be a national leader in the areas of Complex Litigation, Corporate and Securities, Finance, Insurance and Reinsurance, Intellectual Property and IP Litigation, Public Finance, Private Equity and Venture Capital.
“Both firms are coming at this from positions of strength,” Terrence Finn, Managing Partner of Edwards & Angell, said. “At the heart of this merger is our desire to bring together the best, most talented professionals. From Edwards & Angell’s perspective, this merger fits within our sustained growth strategy, which for the last five years has included the integration of high-profile lateral hires, opening of select offices and a successful merger,” he added.
Mr. Finn and Mr. DeWitt will serve as Co-Managing Partners of Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge, and will both be based in Boston, MA. The new firm’s Executive Committee will be integrated, with representatives across the firm’s offices.
“This merger of equals unites two firms whose practice areas, expertise and client base are strongly complementary and who share a culture of respect, recognition and professional excellence,” Mr. DeWitt commented. “These synergies, we are confident, are the key to our success.”
“We are committed to doing everything necessary to ensure a smooth and successful integration,” Mr. Finn said. “Over the next several months we plan to conduct numerous retreats and activities that will allow us all to get to know one another and fully appreciate the great resources that are now available to us as Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge.”
Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge’s 520 attorneys in 9 U.S. offices will be organized into multi-disciplinary teams that will be deployed to respond to the demands of evolving markets by industry, practice and geography. The new firm is committed to employing the right mix of partners and associates in order to remain attentive and responsive to each client’s specific needs and to ensure partner involvement in all aspects of their business.
About the Firms
Palmer & Dodge, with 180 attorneys, is a full-service, Boston-based firm that represents life sciences and technology companies and the venture capital and other financing sources that fuel their growth. The firm has a more than 100-year history representing top companies and institutions. Palmer & Dodge is a recognized leader in Public Finance law and its Antitrust, Banking and Finance, Corporate/M&A and Real Estate practices have been recognized by Chambers and Partners. www.palmerdodge.com
Edwards & Angell, with 340 attorneys across 9 offices, is a full-service firm with roots in New England going back more than 100 years. The firm has been recognized by Chambers and Partners for its Corporate/M&A, Banking and Finance, Private Equity, Complex Litigation, Employment, Real Estate, and Insurance and Reinsurance practices. Edwards & Angell’s growth strategy has included the recent procurement of high-profile lateral partners and the 2000 merger with Dike Bronstein Roberts & Cushman, a leading Intellectual Property firm. www.edwardsangell.com
