Archer & Greiner PC and Herten, Burstein, Sheridan, Cevasco, Bottinelli, Litt & Harz LLC announced today that the two firms will combine effective May 2, 2011, creating New Jersey’s fourth largest law firm.
The combined firm will retain the name Archer & Greiner PC.
“With the depth of resources and strong talent of both firms, joining forces will significantly benefit our clients in New Jersey and throughout the region,” said James H. Carll, Chairman of Archer & Greiner’s Board of Directors.
Archer & Greiner, prior to the merger, has 170 attorneys firm-wide, including 134 in New Jersey. Founded in 1928, the firm has its headquarters in Haddonfield and additional New Jersey offices in Princeton and Flemington. Its regional network of seven offices also spans Pennsylvania, Delaware and New York.
Founded in 1987, Herten Burstein has 31 attorneys in its main office in Hackensack, N.J., and a satellite office in New York City. It is one of the preeminent firms in northern New Jersey.
The addition of the Hackensack location will significantly expand Archer & Greiner’s statewide presence in New Jersey. The firm also has full-service offices in Philadelphia and in Wilmington and Georgetown, Del. The merger with Herten Burstein will bring Archer & Greiner’s complement of attorneys to 201, along with 47 paralegals and 190 support staff, for a total workforce of 438.
Leaders of both firms said the merger enhances their full-service capabilities to serve a regional client base in core practices such as corporate law, litigation, labor and employment, intellectual property, real estate, trusts and estates, and family law. The firms’ clients range from large multi-national corporations to small businesses and individuals.
“Joining with Archer & Greiner adds depth to our existing practices, strengthens our client service capabilities and expands our regional presence,” Herten Burstein founding member Thomas J. Herten said. “Both firms have a similar client-centered focus and culture of excellence. Bringing them together will enable us to provide comprehensive legal services and significantly benefit clients throughout the region. I foresee tremendous synergy between the two firms and exciting new opportunities. The merger is a definite win-win on all levels.”
“An office in northern New Jersey has been a strategic goal for Archer & Greiner for some time,” Archer & Greiner President Christopher R. Gibson said. “We have been waiting to capitalize on the right opportunity to expand into the important North Jersey market, and Herten Burstein presents the perfect strategic alliance by which to extend our services to clients throughout the state, to build on the pharmaceutical and mass tort practice of Herten Burstein and to open opportunities for our regional, national and multinational clients in other markets as well, such as New York City.
“Herten Burstein built its excellent reputation and record of success on the same business model as Archer & Greiner: outstanding lawyers with a commitment to the highest quality, cost-effective service to our clients,” Mr. Gibson added. “Combining the firms enhances our client service capabilities and creates exciting business development opportunities.”
The integration also demonstrates a commitment to the region and confidence in its future as an important and vibrant market for businesses of all types and sizes, leaders of both firms said.
Linda Berthold and Jamie Schwartz of Haley Stuart LLC of Montvale, N.J., provided introductory and advisory services throughout the merger transaction.
The merger with Herten Burstein marks the second time in just over two years that Archer & Greiner has grown by combining with excellent firms in key regional markets. In January 2009, Archer & Greiner merged with Pelino & Lentz PC, expanding its full-service Philadelphia office to 32 lawyers based in One Liberty Place.
