The merger aligns with data showing an increase in law firm mergers in the US in 2024
US law firm Michael Best & Friedrich announced that it had absorbed the small Los Angeles-based firm O&A, P.C., marking its first entry into the California legal market.
Reuters reported that the merger took effect on July 1, contributing to a growing trend of law firm mergers this year. Milwaukee-founded Michael Best, which has a nationwide presence with over 300 lawyers, has strategically expanded by integrating O&A, a venture capital law firm.
The merger aligns with data from Fairfax Associates, a legal industry consultancy, which indicated an increase in completed law firm mergers in the first half of 2024 compared to 2023. Specifically, six of the nine law firm mergers in the second quarter of 2024 involved at least one small firm.
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As part of this merger, eight attorneys and seven business professionals from O&A have joined Michael Best's new Los Angeles office. Dan Offner, who founded O&A in 2015, will serve as the head of Michael Best's venture best practice in California and as the managing partner of the Los Angeles office. Offner's background includes serving as general counsel at Oculus VR during its US$ 2 billion acquisition by Facebook in 2014 and leading interactive entertainment practices at Loeb & Loeb and Nixon Peabody.
O&A has represented a diverse portfolio of clients, including Oculus VR, Ubisoft, NZXT, Alcon Entertainment, Arden Road Investments, and Formic Ventures. The firm also offered an online software service designed to assist entrepreneurs in launching startups, which has now been acquired by Michael Best as part of the merger.
Michael Best has a history of successful expansions through combinations with smaller firms, particularly in North Carolina, Colorado, and Utah. David Krutz, managing partner at Michael Best, highlighted the firm's positive track record in these markets.
California remains a significant target for law firm growth. In recent years, numerous firms have expanded in the state through mergers with smaller firms or by hiring partners from competitors. On the same day as Michael Best's announcement, Weil, Gotshal & Manges disclosed plans to open new offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco, bolstered by adding two private equity dealmakers from rival firm Latham & Watkins.