Holland & Knight and Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis Agree to a Combination
Firm to Operate in 35 Cities with Nearly 2,000 Attorneys; Clients to Benefit from Expanded Capabilities, Broader Geographic Reach and Deeper Industry Experience
MIAMI/NASHVILLE (January 4, 2023) – Holland & Knight and Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis have agreed to a combination to be completed during the first quarter of 2023. The combined law firm will operate under the Holland & Knight name and have nearly 2,000 attorneys in 34 offices across the U.S. and internationally.
Waller, an AmLaw 200 firm, has more than 280 attorneys with offices in Nashville and Chattanooga, Tenn., Birmingham, Ala., and Austin, Texas. It is listed as one of the top firms in Chambers USA’s "The Elite" rankings of national healthcare law firms. Waller has also been ranked as a Top 20 healthcare law firm by Modern Healthcare for nearly two decades. In addition, Waller is ranked by Chambers USA as a Band 1 firm in Tennessee in nine other practice areas.
"Waller has a stellar reputation and enjoys a roster of prestigious national clients," said Holland & Knight Managing Partner Steven Sonberg. "We look forward to joining forces with one of the most established and well-respected brands in healthcare law, along with remarkable capabilities in many other key industries and practices that are well aligned with our strategic initiatives."
In addition to healthcare, the combination will strengthen Holland & Knight’s capabilities in private equity, financial services, real estate and litigation.
With the addition of Waller, Holland & Knight expands its U.S. geographic presence and becomes one of the largest law firms in the fast-growing, business-friendly state of Tennessee. In Nashville, home to many of the country’s most significant healthcare companies and a destination of choice for corporate relocations, Holland & Knight would add an office of more than 235 lawyers.
"Early in our discussions with Holland & Knight, we saw a compelling opportunity to join a national platform with a deep bench of talent and experience," said Waller Chair Matt Burnstein. "Our clients are enthused about gaining access to top lawyers in many geographies we do not currently serve, and our attorneys and staff will fit wonderfully within the Holland & Knight culture. This is a tremendously exciting move for our firm."