SAN DIEGO-Law firm McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP has finalized a merger with California-based Luce Forward, Hamilton & Scripps LLP, creating a firm that is expected to rank among the 20 largest law firms. The new entity, which will continue to be known as McKenna Long & Aldridge, will feature a real estate component that, in addition to being one of the oldest and most recognized in the state, will also rank among the top three largest practices on the West Coast.
“Our real estate practice is centered in San Diego and San Francisco,” Kurt Kicklighter, former managing partner of Luce Forward and now executive partner at MLA for California, tells GlobeSt.com. “For years, we have wanted an L.A. real estate presence. McKenna Long has a presence in L.A., but not in San Diego or San Francisco, so it’s a perfect geographic fit.”
Another synergy is that McKenna Long has attorneys who specialize in finance on both coasts, while Luce Forward brings its development experience to the table, Kicklighter continues. “Plus, we’re really known for our residential real estate focus and for land use, and [McKenna Long is] much better known in commercial real estate and finance. This adds remarkable depth and breadth to what we can contribute to the industry.”
McKenna Long also boasts a number of litigators who specialize in real estate litigation and the Califiornia Environmental Quality Act, and the firm is adept at converting technology campuses including one for Facebook in Menlo Park, Calif., Kicklighter adds. “If you believe there’s a future in real estate—and we do—we’re really well positioned in terms of the marketplace.”
The combined firm will offer more than 575 attorneys and public-policy advisors in 13 offices and 11 markets. These executives will place the firm among the top 70 largest law firms in the U.S. MLA has expanded legal capabilities in California and nationally in the areas of real estate, litigation, corporate, family wealth, environmental and employment practices. In addition, the integrated firm represents some of the largest insurance carriers on the West and East coasts.
“Our complementary cultures and commitment to public services strengthen our ties to each other and to our communities,” says Jeff Haidet, chairman of MLA. “Furthermore, our thought leadership and ability to leverage economies of scale enable us to deliver innovative opportunities and solutions for our clients.”
MLA also has a significant focus on community service. Through pro bono legal services, community-service efforts and the MLA Foundation, the combined firm supports more than 230 charitable organizations each year.
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Carrie Rossenfeld
Carrie Rossenfeld is a reporter for the San Diego and Orange County markets on GlobeSt.com and a contributor to Real Estate Forum. She was a trade-magazine and newsletter editor in New York City before moving to Southern California to become a freelance writer and editor for magazines, books and websites. Rossenfeld has written extensively on topics including commercial real estate, running a medical practice, intellectual-property licensing and giftware. She has edited books about profiting from real estate and has ghostwritten a book about starting a home-based business.
