Biglaw, Law Firm Mergers

Can A Merger Move Improve Morale At Reed Smith?

Reed Smith has a suitor, but the talks are still in the early stages.

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merger law firm mergerReed Smith has been having quite the 2016. We haven’t even hit the midway point on the year yet, and the firm has gone through its share of challenges already — attorney layoffs and a spate of partners lateraling to new firms are among the high (low?) points. And now there are merger rumors swirling around the firm.

According to Big Law Business, Reed Smith approached Pepper Hamilton about a potential merger, but the talks are still in the early stages. Both firms confirmed the reports last night in statements:

“Based on these preliminary discussions, we see many potential benefits to joining forces,” said a Reed Smith spokesman, in a statement. “There remains a significant amount of work to do with Pepper Hamilton to assess those benefits and before any transaction would be ready to bring to the Reed Smith partnership.”

A statement on behalf of Pepper Hamilton was also issued that confirmed “preliminary discussions” with Reed Smith.

Will this move change the course at Reed Smith? Though associates at Reed Smith have long complained about the thin ranks of mid-level and senior associates, this merger — if successful — may not turn the tide of sinking morale at the firm. Big changes, such as a merger, naturally bring worry to the rank and file. One tipster shared news of the merger with us using a series of unflattering emojis. Can the injection of Pepper Hamilton’s 490 attorneys make a difference to the issues Reed Smith has faced?

If you work at either Reed Smith or Pepper Hamilton and want to sound off on the potential merger, please feel free to email us at [email protected] or send an SMS/text message to (646) 820-8477. As always, we’ll keep your name strictly confidential.

Reed Smith and Pepper Hamilton Are in Merger Talks [Big Law Business]

Earlier: Nationwide Layoff Watch: Biglaw Firm Cuts Headcount; Attorneys Among The Victims
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