Smith Moore, Leatherwood to Join Practices
July 18, 2008
Newly combined firm creates legal presence from Atlanta to NC Coast.
GREENVILLE, SC – July 17, 2008 – Two familiar names on the Southeast legal landscape are combining practices. Effective August 1, Smith Moore LLP, with offices in Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Wilmington, NC, and Atlanta, will join with the attorneys of Leatherwood Walker Todd & Mann PC, based in Greenville, SC, to form Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP.
Smith Moore Leatherwood will have about 180 attorneys working in six offices in the Carolinas and Georgia. “This combination is a giant step forward as we build a top tier Southeastern law firm,” said Steve Earp, managing partner for Smith Moore. “By bringing together the strengths of two superior practices, Smith Moore Leatherwood will have the ability to serve clients’ needs throughout the region.”
Richard Few, Jr., managing director at Leatherwood, said, “With the large number of businesses that have operations or interests that span the I-85 corridor from Georgia through the Carolinas, creating a legal presence that encompasses this entire region is an exciting strategic step. We expect Smith Moore Leatherwood to fill an immediate need for clients doing business in this key three-state region.”
Beyond the geographic advantages, Smith Moore Leatherwood will also provide for clients a single resource for a wide range of practice areas. “Combining capabilities from two strong firms elevates our services above what we previously offered individually,” Few said. “Also, the practice composition of our two firms is exceptionally complementary, meaning that our clients will be able to draw on even more legal talent and experience to help them achieve their goals.”
The compatibility between Smith Moore and Leatherwood is evident in ways other than the fit in their practices. “Our cultures, philosophic goals and long-term interests are in perfect accord,” Earp said. “Both firms are team-oriented and value quality work and the highest levels of service to our clients; we are both driven by our commitment to our clients and to our people. These priorities are not always easy to find when law firms are exploring possible partnerships.”
This is the third major strategic business move involving the practices of Smith Moore and Leatherwood in the last 16 months. Last year, Smith Moore expanded into Charlotte by opening a new office there and increased its presence in Atlanta by joining practices with Carter & Ansley LLP.
