Partners at both firms were informed Monday morning of the merger, which is scheduled to take effect August 1. The combined firm will be called Bingham McCutchen, and will include all of McKee Nelson’s lawyers.
The firms’ combined revenue will likely top $900 million, based on 2008 figures, and will include more than 1,100 lawyers. Bingham, with more than 1,000 lawyers spread among 12 offices, was one of the few major firms last year to show growth in both revenue (up 3 percent to $767 million) and profits per equity partner (up 6 percent to $1.42 million). McKee Nelson had a tougher year: Revenue fell 16 percent, to $160 million, and profits per equity partner dropped 15 percent to $1 million. In addition, layoffs and departures have whittled the firm down to 120 lawyers.
