US law firm Kirkpatrick & Lockhart and English firm Nicholson Graham & Jones have combined forces to become Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham (K&LNG). The change is effective from January 1, 2005.
The firm comprises 950 lawyers practicing in 10 U.S. offices and London and will represent entrepreneurs, growth and middle market companies as well as leading global corporations in every major industry group and has particular strengths in:
§ investment management and related funds work
§ real estate, construction, and environmental
§ corporate, securities and mergers and acquisitions
§ securities enforcement and special investigations
§ litigation and dispute resolution
§ insurance coverage disputes
§ intellectual property
§ mortgage banking, property finance and other financial services
Among the firm's industry strengths are manufacturing, financial services, media and entertainment, leisure and hospitality, life sciences, transportation, and information technology.
In describing the rationale for the combination, Peter Kalis, chairman of the Management Committee of the combined firm, said: ?A law firm that fails to meet the trending needs of its clients does so at its own peril.