Key Takeaways
- • Michael Best, an Am Law 200 firm, has completed a strategic merger with Kane Kessler, a Manhattan-based law firm with approximately 40 attorneys and over 90 years of operating history, establishing the firm's first New York office presence.
- • The combination expands Michael Best's total footprint to nearly 400 attorneys across 19 U.S. offices, representing significant geographic expansion into the key New York market.
- • Kane Kessler brings established expertise in corporate and securities law, capital markets, M&A, litigation, intellectual property, and real estate, with a client base spanning startups, financial institutions, and Fortune 500 companies.
- • Rob Lawrence, Kane Kessler's managing partner, will lead Michael Best's newly established New York office, ensuring continuity of client relationships and operational leadership.
- • The merger reflects Michael Best's strategic objective to expand its capabilities and geographic reach while leveraging Kane Kessler's established reputation for practical business counsel and trusted client relationships in the New York market.
Summary
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, an Am Law 200 firm, has completed a strategic combination with Kane Kessler, P.C., a Manhattan law firm established over 90 years ago with approximately 40 attorneys. The merger marks Michael Best's entry into the New York market and expands the combined firm's total attorney base to nearly 400 professionals across 19 U.S. offices. Rob Lawrence, Kane Kessler's managing partner, will lead the new New York office.
Kane Kessler's practice areas complement Michael Best's existing service offerings and include corporate and securities law, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, intellectual property, and real estate. The firm serves a diverse client base ranging from early-stage startups and entrepreneurs to multinational financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies. David Krutz, Michael Best's firm managing partner, stated that the combination represents alignment of "talented attorneys and professionals, complementary strengths, and a shared commitment to exceptional client service," noting that Kane Kessler's reputation for trusted counsel and practical business advice aligns seamlessly with the firm's strategic objectives.
The merger follows a trend of law firm consolidation aimed at expanding geographic footprints and service capabilities in major financial centers. For Michael Best, the acquisition provides immediate access to an established client base and operational infrastructure in New York, eliminating the longer timeline associated with organic growth. For Kane Kessler partners and staff, the combination offers access to Michael Best's broader platform, resources, and national reach across multiple practice areas and jurisdictions.
Kane Kessler's practice areas complement Michael Best's existing service offerings and include corporate and securities law, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, intellectual property, and real estate. The firm serves a diverse client base ranging from early-stage startups and entrepreneurs to multinational financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies. David Krutz, Michael Best's firm managing partner, stated that the combination represents alignment of "talented attorneys and professionals, complementary strengths, and a shared commitment to exceptional client service," noting that Kane Kessler's reputation for trusted counsel and practical business advice aligns seamlessly with the firm's strategic objectives.
The merger follows a trend of law firm consolidation aimed at expanding geographic footprints and service capabilities in major financial centers. For Michael Best, the acquisition provides immediate access to an established client base and operational infrastructure in New York, eliminating the longer timeline associated with organic growth. For Kane Kessler partners and staff, the combination offers access to Michael Best's broader platform, resources, and national reach across multiple practice areas and jurisdictions.
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