Fennemore merges with Wendel Rosen

Fennemore merges with Wendel Rosen

It is estimated that the deal will add 56 lawyers to Fennemore's roster, giving it a total headcount of 250

In a move to expand its West Coast strategy, US national firm Fennemore has merged with Wendel Rosen, one of the oldest firms in the East Bay region, for the second time in two years.

There are three offices of Wendel Rosen in Northern California, including Oakland, Modesto, and Walnut Creek. The combined firm will be known as Fennemore Wendel. A total of 250 lawyers are now employed by Fennemore as a result of the tie-up, which adds 56 lawyers to its roster. A full-service offering is offered by Wendel, with particular expertise in real estate, land use, litigation, as well as trusts and estates. From the beginning of July, the merger will take effect.

It is important to note that James Goodnow, Fennemore's CEO and managing partner, was quoted as saying: "The Bay Area is one of the world's largest technology and business centers." In conjunction with the team from Wendel, we will help our clients to take advantage of this region's phenomenal economy."

As for Goodnow, he will remain CEO and managing partner of the combined firm, while Daniel Rapaport, a 30-year veteran of commercial and real estate law, will join the firm's management committee as a special advisor to join the team. As the local managing partner of the combined firm, William "Buddy" Rowell will serve as the litigation chair of Wendel.

As Rapaport commented, "I am looking forward to beginning a new era with Fennemore while remaining true to our roots and commitment to the Bay Area, giving us the opportunity to offer our clients even better service on the largest and most complex matters in Northern California and the Western states."

The firm merged with Fresno firm Dowling Aaron in 2020, rebranding its Central Valley coverage as Fennemore Dowling Aaron. The firm has also acquired Reilly in Denver, while hiring many lawyers and allied professionals in Southern California. Through the Wendel merger, Fennemore now has 14 offices in Southwest California, Arizona, Colorado and Nevada.

This month, many firms have been hiring on the West Coast as its burgeoning tech market continues to attract attention from national and international companies.

With the addition of renewable energy lawyer Elizabeth Sluder from Morrison & Foerster (MoFo), Norton Rose Fulbright has boosted its Los Angeles projects team.

Jesse Debban has been hired by Allen & Overy in its Silicon Valley office as a corporate partner from Farella Braun + Martel. Perkins Coie's life sciences partner Matthew Ferry has been hired by MoFo in San Diego. Also, Goodwin Procter has hired three corporate partners from Latham & Watkins for its Santa Monica office.