Locke Lorde & Edwards Wildman approve merger

Partners at insurance-focused law firms Locke Lord and Edwards Wildman Palmer have approved the merger of the two firms.

The new firm, which will become Locke Lord Edwards, will have gross revenues of approximately $675 million, placing it among the 50 largest firms in The American Lawyer’s “AmLaw 100” annual rankings of top US law firms.

Jerry Clements will serve as chair of the combined firm. Alan Levin, who currently serves as managing partner of Edwards Wildman, along with Locke Lord’s Dan Schlessinger and Bill Swanstrom, will serve as the three vice chairs of Locke Lord Edwards.

“This combination will enhance our position in the top tier of U.S. law firms and significantly strengthen our position and product offerings in the middle market," Clements said. “It will allow us to brand that identity in the global marketplace with a major presence in the Northeast and a stronger footprint in the Midwest, West Coast and Southeast regions of the United States, as well as in Asia.

“This combination appropriately propels us into the future with an exceptionally fine group of lawyers in important practice areas, sectors and geographic areas where we want and need to be in order to best serve our clients. We share the same vision and strategy, and now will work together across all markets.”