Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP has announced plans to merge with Atlanta-based Morris, Manning & Martin LLP, effective December 31, 2025. This strategic move will add over 100 attorneys to Taft’s roster, expanding its presence in the Southeast and deepening its foothold in Washington, D.C. The combined firm will comprise more than 1,200 lawyers across 25 offices, with projected revenues exceeding $1 billion.
Robert J. Hicks, Taft’s Firmwide Chairman and Managing Partner, emphasized the alignment between the two firms, stating, “We are excited to welcome this talented group of lawyers to Taft, that represent the bedrock of Morris Manning & Martin and its reputation as one of the top firms in Atlanta.” He highlighted the shared collaborative and client-driven approach, noting that the merger continues Taft’s tradition of combining with highly respected, established firms in new markets. Hicks added, “Combined with our recent momentum in Florida, we will soon have more than 100 lawyers in the Southeast—a region which has been part of our long-term strategic plan for several years.” ([taftlaw.com](https://www.taftlaw.com/news-events/news/taft-and-morris-manning-martin-announce-merger/?utm_source=openai))
Simon Malko, Managing Partner of Morris Manning, echoed this sentiment, stating, “From our very first conversation, it was clear that Taft was the right match for our firm. We immediately connected on the things that matter the most — culture, core values, client service, and strategic vision.” He noted that the merger and Taft’s comprehensive national platform create new opportunities to serve clients with broad service offerings throughout the United States. ([taftlaw.com](https://www.taftlaw.com/news-events/news/taft-and-morris-manning-martin-announce-merger/?utm_source=openai))
Morris Manning, a nationally recognized Am Law 200 firm, brings nearly 50 years of experience in real estate, litigation, and corporate law. The firm has earned top-tier rankings in the 2025 Chambers USA guide for International Trade, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), Emerging Companies, and Hospitality, as well as Corporate/M&A, Real Estate, and Litigation. ([taftlaw.com](https://www.taftlaw.com/news-events/news/taft-and-morris-manning-martin-announce-merger/?utm_source=openai))
This merger is part of Taft’s broader strategy to become a leading national middle-market firm. Earlier in 2025, Taft expanded into the Mountain West by merging with Denver’s Sherman & Howard, adding approximately 125 lawyers. In June, the firm further extended its reach into Florida by merging with Mrachek Law, an 18-attorney litigation boutique, and launching an office in Naples. ([taftlaw.com](https://www.taftlaw.com/news-events/news/taft-and-morris-manning-martin-announce-merger/?utm_source=openai))
The legal industry has seen a trend of consolidations in 2025. Notable mergers include McDermott, Will & Emery joining Schulte Roth & Zabel, and Kramer Levin merging with Herbert Smith Freehills. These combinations reflect a broader movement towards creating firms with expanded capabilities and geographic reach. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/legal/legalindustry/latest-us-legal-industry-merger-create-1-billion-firm-2025-08-11/?utm_source=openai))
With the addition of Morris Manning, Taft continues to position itself as a dominant player in the national middle-market legal sector, enhancing its ability to serve clients across a broader spectrum of industries and regions.