Am Law 100 firm BakerHostetler and Woodcock Washburn, one of the country’s leading intellectual property boutiques, announced today that they have a signed letter of intent to combine, subject to an affirmative vote by the partners of both firms in early December. The announcement, made by BakerHostetler Executive Partner Steven Kestner and the Woodcock Washburn Policy Committee, notes they will combine effective January 1, 2014. The combination is the result of a careful strategic assessment by both firms that identified compelling synergies in their practice capabilities, geographic footprints, and commitment to excellent client service.
With the addition of Woodcock Washburn’s 68 lawyers, BakerHostetler doubles its current IP practice to 140 lawyers and its ability to provide clients with significant IP breadth and depth.
“Woodcock Washburn’s nationally known and highly regarded Intellectual Property practice strengthens our IP position, particularly for clients in the technology sector,” said Kestner. “This is another significant step in our mission to help our clients grow and protect their businesses in today’s complex business and regulatory environment.” BakerHostetler has long been recognized as a national firm with a wide variety of strong practices, including a significant IP practice.
“The combination of our two firms broadens the scope of services we can offer our clients,” said Woodcock Washburn Policy Committee Member Joseph Lucci. “Our clients will benefit from being able to tap into the various practice strengths within BakerHostetler. We’ll be a go-to law firm for technology companies of all types.”
“BakerHostetler’s strength in New York, Southern California, Washington D.C., and other litigation and technology corridors will enable us to expand the resources we collectively can provide to a wide range of market-leading companies.”
BakerHostetler has more than 800 attorneys in 11 offices across the United States. By combining with Woodcock Washburn it adds on-the-ground presence in three new cities – Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Seattle.
“As part of our overall growth strategy, we have talked about expanding in major markets where we do not currently have a presence,” said Kestner. “Woodcock Washburn’s offices place us in three important new cities where their attorneys have strong, established client relationships.”
In joining with BakerHostetler, Lucci noted that Woodcock Washburn has been approached by a number of firms over the years, but has enjoyed being a stand-alone boutique. “However, the opportunity brought about by the potential combination of the resources of Woodcock Washburn and BakerHostetler was too good to pass up. Finding a partner with the same culture and values – a dedication to outstanding client service above all in a collegial and collaborative work environment – was an added bonus that we found with BakerHostetler.”
Steven Rocci of Woodcock Washburn will join BakerHostetler’s Policy Committee and Joseph Lucci will become managing partner of the Philadelphia office. Additional Woodcock Washburn partners will have leadership roles in the combined firm’s IP practice. With the enhanced IP experience and capabilities of Woodcock Washburn, the combination confirms IP among BakerHostetler’s nationally recognized litigation, business, tax, and employment practices.
