Michael Best & Friedrich LLP has announced a strategic combination with New York-based Kane Kessler, P.C., marking a significant expansion into the Northeast legal market. This move adds approximately 40 attorneys to Michael Best’s roster and establishes its first office in New York City. ([bizjournals.com](https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2026/09/16/michael-best-friedrich-acquires-kane-kessler.html?utm_source=openai))
Founded in 1930, Kane Kessler has built a reputation for its corporate and securities practice, serving a diverse clientele that includes Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, and entrepreneurs. The firm’s practice areas also encompass capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, intellectual property, and real estate. ([kanekessler.com](https://www.kanekessler.com/about-the-firm/?utm_source=openai))
Rob Lawrence, Managing Partner of Kane Kessler, will lead Michael Best’s New York office. He emphasized that the combination offers clients access to a broader range of services and resources, aligning with their national and international operations. ([ccbjournal.com](https://ccbjournal.com/news/michael-best-new-york-based-kane-kessler-p-c-complete-strategic-combination?utm_source=openai))
David Krutz, Firm Managing Partner at Michael Best, highlighted the cultural and strategic alignment between the two firms, noting that the combination brings together talented attorneys and complementary strengths, enhancing their ability to serve clients effectively. ([ccbjournal.com](https://ccbjournal.com/news/michael-best-new-york-based-kane-kessler-p-c-complete-strategic-combination?utm_source=openai))
This combination is part of Michael Best’s deliberate multi-year growth strategy, which has included expansions into key markets such as California, Nebraska, North Carolina, and Texas. The firm has also strengthened its presence in cities like Austin, Charlotte, Denver, Raleigh, and Salt Lake City, focusing on adding attorneys and teams with strong practices in the middle market and venture spaces. ([ccbjournal.com](https://ccbjournal.com/news/michael-best-new-york-based-kane-kessler-p-c-complete-strategic-combination?utm_source=openai))
With the addition of Kane Kessler, Michael Best now operates 18 offices nationwide, offering a comprehensive range of legal services across various industries. ([michaelbest.com](https://www.michaelbest.com/?utm_source=openai))