Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe and Buckley, two prominent law firms which completed a merger in early 2023, are set to consolidate their Washington, D.C. offices in the first quarter of 2024. This move comes as part of the post-merger integration process and is designed to create a unified approach in serving their clientele.
In the wake of this merger, the new entity will move to D.C.’s Foggy Bottom neighborhood, specifically at 2100 Pennsylvania Ave. With the anticipated move, the firm is currently seeking a sublease tenant for Buckley’s nearby office space on M Street. Meanwhile, the lease for Orrick’s downtown office on 15th Street is due to expire.
Orrick’s roots can be traced back to San Francisco, whereas Buckley was originally established in Washington. The two firms confirmed their merger in February, forming a combined entity with around 1,000 lawyers and a gross revenue close to $1.5 billion, as noted by The American Lawyer. For Orrick, the past year has been somewhat volatile, with the firm resorting to layoffs to streamline costs and it announced the elimination of approximately 90 attorneys and staff members while also delaying start dates for new hires.
The merger of Orrick and Buckley is an example of a prevalent trend in the legal industry, with various firms opting for consolidation as a strategy for growth. This move is in line with other significant mergers in the industry, such as the October consolidation by partners at Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling, which formed a new, substantial entity, A&O Shearman. Additionally, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw & Pittman and Stroock & Stroock & Lavan announced terminating plans for a potential merger this past week.
The future will surely hold more activity regarding mergers and relocations within the legal industry, with firms consistently seeking new ways to operate more efficiently and effectively in an ever-evolving landscape.
For more detailed coverage, please view the original article from Bloomberg Law.