Sherman & Howard announced Sept. 23 that it is merging with Am Law 100 firm Taft, creating a firm with more than 1,000 attorneys. The merger is effective Jan. 1, 2025.
“From the inception of the firm in 1892, we have helped shape the businesses and cities where we work and live. When we began discussions with Taft, we were immediately drawn to their collaborative, value-driven approach, and the success they have achieved by merging with firms that have a strong, local presence like we do,” Stefan Stein, CEO of Sherman & Howard, said in a press release. “The alignment of our client-focused, people-first cultures, and the commitment to our respective communities made this an easy decision.”
“While working with the same attorneys and staff with whom they have long-standing relationships, our clients can now leverage a deeper bench and expanded service offerings both regionally and nationally,” Stein added. “We’re looking forward to starting this new chapter in our history by combining with Taft, a future-focused firm like ours.”
All eight of Sherman & Howard’s offices will join Taft’s nine primary markets. The combined firm will have offices in 10 states and Washington, D.C.
“We welcome the respected and talented group of attorneys and staff from Sherman & Howard to our team,” Robert Hicks, Taft chairman and managing partner, said in a press release. “They have an outstanding reputation and client base. With our shared commitment to our clients and communities, and our shared values of exceptional client service, teamwork, and inclusion and diversity, we are looking forward to the tremendous opportunities the merger brings our respective clients and firms.”
Taft has completed six mergers in the past 16 years, including Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss in Detroit; Briggs and Morgan in Minneapolis; Shefsky & Froelich in Chicago; Chester Willcox & Saxbe in Columbus, Ohio; Kahn Kleinman in Cleveland; and Sommer Barnard in Indianapolis.
According to the press release, Taft’s revenues have grown more than 400% since 2017, with an increase in lawyer headcount of approximately 275%. With the addition of Sherman & Howard, Taft’s projected 2024 combined revenues are $810 million, and its projected 2025 revenues are $875 million.
Sherman & Howard also completed four mergers in the past 17 years. Those mergers included Denver firms Cage Williams and Netzorg, McKeever, Koclanes & Bernhardt; Aspen firm Krabacher & Sanders P.C.; and Phoenix firm Mohr, Hackett, Pederson, Blakley & Randolph P.C.