The law firms of Adams and Reese LLP and Volpe, Bajalia, Wickes, Rogerson & Wachs (VBWR) announced the merger of the two firms, effective March 1, 2013. The merger continues Adams and Reese’s aggressive growth across the state of Florida, adding Jacksonville as its fifth Florida location. The firm already has offices in Tampa, Tallahassee, St. Petersburg and Sarasota. The merger was announced jointly by Adams and Reese Managing Partner, Charles P. Adams, Jr. and VBWR Shareholder, Timothy W. Volpe.
Volpe will serve as the Partner in Charge of the Adams and Reese Jacksonville office.
With 12 attorneys joining the firm in Jacksonville, the Adams and Reese attorney count increases to 313 and the firm’s footprint now includes 15 offices in 14 markets. In addition to its five Florida locations, the firm has offices in Birmingham and Mobile, Alabama; Memphis and Nashville (Downtown and Music Row), Tennessee; Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; Houston, Texas; and Washington, D.C.
According to Adams, “Our firm’s strategic plan directs selective growth in targeted markets, and Jacksonville has been in our sights for some time. The Volpe firm is a widely respected, AV-rated commercial and business litigation firm. We were very impressed with them from the time we were introduced,” said Adams. “From the outset, our firms appeared to be a perfect fit with similar values, clients and a complementary practice mix.”
About Adams and Reese, Volpe said, “Among its diversified practice areas, the firm is well-known for its business litigation strength, but we were also attracted by its reputation as a strong, solid, and well-managed regional firm. We share common goals and philosophies such as our dedication to client service and a commitment to giving back to the communities where we work and live,” said Volpe.
“The merger with Adams and Reese gives us the opportunity to even better serve our clients, with access to a broader base of attorneys, practicing in almost every area of law,” said Volpe. “And, we look forward to creating new relationships with Adams and Reese clients, and with new clients to our merged firm who will be attracted to our large regional footprint, extensive list of practice areas, and experience in virtually every industry in this region.”
Chairman of the Adams and Reese Executive Committee, Gif Thornton said, “VBWR and Adams and Reese have similar visions and parallel goals. We see this merger as an opportunity to extend our litigation practice in Florida and provide our new clients there with additional practice areas and experience to meet their legal needs throughout Florida, as well as other parts of the country.”
Thornton also noted, “The attorneys joining Adams and Reese in Jacksonville have impressive reputations, talent, and experience.”
Partners joining Adams and Reese include: Timothy W. Volpe, Michael D. Lee; Matthew P. McLauchlin; John T. Rogerson, III; and Alan S. Wachs. Joining as Special Counsel are: Michael L. Duncan; Christopher T. Harris; and Leslie A. Wickes. Associates include: Daren L. Anderson; Kyle C. Jacobs; Jamie W. Olinto; and Caroline M. Prieto.
