Husch Blackwell Will Combine With Milwaukee Firm in July

Kansas City-based Husch Blackwell announced this morning that it would merge with Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek, a business and litigation law firm from Milwaukee, effective July 1.

The combined firm will keep the Husch Blackwell name, officials said, will give Husch Blackwell more than 700 attorneys, with offices in 19 cities. Husch Blackwell had $284 million in 2015 revenues, and WHD  had $62 million, which combined will place the firm in The American Lawyer’s annual list of the 100 top-grossing law firms in the U.S.

The move strengthens both firms’ commitment to providing industry knowledge and experience to clients, officials said.

“Like many law firms, we continually look for growth opportunities. But we don’t look to grow simply for the sake of growing,” said Greg Smith, CEO and managing partner of Husch Blackwell in St. Louis. “It is essential that our growth is rooted in delivering greater value to our clients, which we firmly believe is achieved through an industry-focused approach, as well as strategic and innovative initiatives to deliver the most efficient, effective service to our clients. This combination meets all of these objectives.”

Chairman Maurice Watson, based in Kansas City, said  that “from the start, we were impressed with Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek, its leadership and the talented group of attorneys who have defined the firm’s success. This combination strengthens the depth and scale of our industry groups, including technology, manufacturing, real estate and financial services. Additionally, we share a strong commitment to our clients and our communities, and place a premium on developing talent. I am excited about what we will achieve together.”