Pictured, left to right: Jennifer P. Keller, Baker Donelson president and COO; Ben C. Adams, Baker Donelson chair and CEO; S. Craig Holden, Ober|Kaler chair and CEO; and Darlene R. Davis, Ober|Kaler president and COO
The law firms of Baker Donelson and Ober|Kaler have announced plans to combine. The combination, which has been approved by the leadership and shareholders of both firms, is anticipated to take effect Jan. 1, 2017.
The combined firm, which will maintain the name of Baker Donelson, would become one of the 50 largest law firms in the country, with more than 800 attorneys and advisors across 25 offices in nine states, as well as Washington, D.C.
"The combination will result in the third largest and most dynamic health practice in the country. It also brings together multiple nationally recognized practices, including financial services, construction and litigation. The combination will build on Baker Donelson's existing capabilities in more than 30 leading practices areas, including a wide-ranging litigation practice that covers appellate, class action, complex commercial, intellectual property, labor and employment, premises and products liability, securities, taxation and transportation litigation. Baker Donelson also has a global business practice that represents companies with interests in more than 90 countries and an emerging companies practice that represents high-growth start-up companies and other emerging businesses in every state in the Southeast," officials said.
Baker Donelson Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ben C. Adams said, "This is a significant step in our firm's continuing strategic growth. Ober|Kaler is well regarded as a national law firm with prominent practices in health, litigation, business, construction and finance, which are an excellent complement to Baker Donelson's strengths. This is a great cultural fit as well with our firms' shared commitments to our clients, diversity, pro bono service and community involvement. We're excited to have this opportunity to join with such a highly respected law firm."
Ober|Kaler CEO S. Craig Holden added, "This combination will bring together two strong firms with national reputations, particularly in health care, financial services and construction, for exceptional client service. We were drawn to Baker Donelson's outstanding reputation and the chance to offer our clients a significantly expanded platform with a broader reach, both geographically and in terms of the range of legal counsel that a firm of more than 800 attorneys and advisors brings."