In its second major expansion in less than a month, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC has merged with the Orlando law firm of Litchford & Christopher Professional Association. The merger gives Baker Donelson its first Florida location and, with the Firm's move into Texas in October, marks the second new market the Firm has added to its footprint in the last month.
Through the merger, Baker Donelson gains six attorneys from Litchford & Christopher: shareholders Donald E. Christopher and Hal K. Litchford, senior counsel Keith E. Rounsaville, of counsel Richard C. Swank, and associates Christine M. Ho and Marisa Rosen. The combined firm, which will continue with the name of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, has more than 620 attorneys and advisors across 18 offices in seven states and Washington, D.C.
"Once again, the motivation for this latest move into a new market is our clients," said Ben C. Adams, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Baker Donelson. "With a presence in Orlando, we can broaden the representation and services that we provide to our numerous clients who do business in Florida, particularly in the areas of financial services, commercial mortgage backed securities and health care. The attorneys at Litchford & Christopher have the reputation, experience and client-focused approach that we have been seeking for our entry into Florida."
Mr. Christopher, who will serve as office managing shareholder of the Orlando location, added, "Being able to significantly expand the range of legal counsel that we can offer to Litchford & Christopher's clients was key for us. Just as important, we wanted to do so with a firm that shares our commitment to personalized client service. Baker Donelson brings all that and more. Our clients now have access to an even broader range of experience and increased resources with a law firm that can be a full-service partner for all their legal needs. At the same time, we expect to continue handling litigation for other attorneys' clients when a conflict or lack of local presence prevents those lawyers from representing their clients in a particular case."
As a litigation firm, Litchford & Christopher has earned a reputation over the past 26 years for its skill in resolving, as well as taking to trial, cases that involve sizeable business and financial disputes. The firm's experience includes disputes involving antitrust and trade regulation law, corporate control, financial and securities fraud, intellectual property litigation, real property claims and mortgage foreclosures, partnership dissolution and creditors' rights in bankruptcy. Litchford & Christopher has also maintained an active general corporate and real estate transactional practice for both large and smaller business clients.
With the establishment of its Florida presence, Baker Donelson's growth continues. The addition of an Orlando office gives Baker Donelson its third new location this year. On October 24, the Firm announced its merger with the Houston law firm of Spain Chambers, marking Baker Donelson's entry into Texas. In April, the Firm established its second office in Alabama, adding a presence in Montgomery.