The international law firm of McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP (MLA) and the California-based law firm of Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps LLP (Luce Forward) have set a target merger date of March 1, 2012, following a recent vote by the firms’ partners. This combination will enhance the legal services provided to clients in litigation, real estate, insurance, government contracts, government affairs and corporate law. The merger will also strengthen MLA’s California foothold and increase Luce Forward’s national and international presence.

The combined firm will continue as McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP, and will operate with more than 600 attorneys and public policy advisors in 15 offices in the United States and internationally. The integrated resources and leveraged capabilities of the combined firm will place it among the top 80 largest law firms in the U.S. It will also rank among the 20 largest firms and the third largest real estate practice in California, and will have more than 120 practicing litigation attorneys in the state.

“We took a long look at ways to better meet the growing needs of our clients on the West Coast,” stated MLA Chair Jeff Haidet. “The market for legal and regulatory work in California is growing, and Luce Forward’s statewide platform represented a perfect fit for our firm. MLA and Luce Forward share similar values and cultures, and are fully committed to delivering innovative solutions to our clients. Combining with Luce Forward is part of our common strategic vision to pursue growth opportunities in our clients’ industries, to strengthen our core practice areas, and to further extend our culture of collaboration to our client relationships.”

Through the merger, MLA attorneys and clients will gain access to Luce Forward’s significant litigation, real estate, insurance and corporate capabilities throughout California. The merger provides Luce Forward attorneys and clients access to the nation’s largest and oldest government contracts practice and a nationally-recognized government affairs practice based in Washington, DC.

“Our focus for the past 138 years has always been to provide our clients with the highest level of service and legal experience,” said Luce Forward Managing Partner Kurt Kicklighter. “By combining with McKenna Long & Aldridge, we provide our clients with an international network of talented attorneys who can service any needs they might have beyond California.”

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