Bullivant Houser Bailey PC, a law firm with over 80 years of history, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the Northern District of California. This move follows the firm’s decision to cease operations on November 1, 2025, and is intended to facilitate an orderly liquidation of its assets.
The firm’s closure affected its offices in Portland, Seattle, and San Francisco. The shareholders made the difficult decision to close the firm effective November 1, 2025. For more than 80 years, Bullivant represented clients in complex and significant legal matters, building a reputation for integrity, dedication, and excellence. The firm is currently conducting an orderly transition of client files to ensure continuity of service and support. ([osbar.org](https://www.osbar.org/bulletin/issues/2025/2025December/offline/download.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Established in 1938, Bullivant Houser Bailey was known for its work in insurance law, commercial litigation, and business law. The firm’s decision to file for Chapter 11 protection underscores the challenges faced by mid-sized law firms in a competitive legal market.
The Chapter 11 filing allows the firm to manage its remaining obligations and distribute assets to creditors under court supervision. This process aims to maximize returns for creditors while ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards during the wind-down phase.
The closure of Bullivant Houser Bailey reflects broader trends in the legal industry, where firms are grappling with evolving client demands, technological advancements, and economic pressures. The firm’s dissolution serves as a reminder of the importance of adaptability and strategic planning in maintaining a sustainable legal practice.