Lewis and Roca, Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons Joining Forces

PHOENIX, ARIZONA and DENVER, COLORADO--(Marketwired - Jul 24, 2013) - Lewis and Roca LLP, headquartered in Phoenix and a Southwestern leader in representing businesses in litigation and complex real estate transactions, and Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons LLP, a century-old Rocky Mountain firm with nationally recognized litigation and banking practices, announced today they will combine forces to create one of the largest law firms in the Western U.S.

When the firms officially join on September 1, 2013, the new 250-lawyer firm will be called Lewis Roca Rothgerber LLP. With a presence in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming, the firm will maintain nine offices, including Phoenix, Denver, Las Vegas, Tucson, Reno, Colorado Springs, Albuquerque, Silicon Valley and Casper.

"Our growth into new markets is driven by our commitment to client service and our clients' interest in gaining access to legal services throughout the West," said Lewis and Roca's Managing Partner Kenneth Van Winkle. "We found a solid partner in Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons and quickly realized our growth strategies aligned. Our two firms are strong apart, and we will be even stronger together."

Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons Chairman Frederick J. Baumann said the combination was consistent with his firm's strategic plan and was fueled by clients who want access to legal counsel in markets where their businesses are growing. 

"Our clients have been expanding in the Southwest region for some time and encouraged us to find an opportunity to establish a presence there," said Baumann. "With Lewis and Roca, we are partnering with a firm with an equally strong reputation in its practices and markets. Lewis and Roca shares not only our commitment to client service, but is a seamless fit strategically, culturally and professionally."

The combination will strengthen the two firms' existing national litigation practices, creating an expanded team of litigators with added experience across additional jurisdictions. It also will expand the firms' business transactional, real estate and energy practices, which will enable the new firm to advise clients on projects from creation to completion. 

Lewis and Roca's highly regarded real estate, energy and regulatory, intellectual property, gaming, and labor and employment practices will benefit from Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons's reputation and long-standing relationships in the Rocky Mountain region. In addition, Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons's national litigation and insurance reorganization, religious institutions, banking and energy practices, combined with Lewis and Roca capabilities, will enable the new firm to offer clients an even greater depth and breadth of expertise. 

Van Winkle will become Managing Partner of Lewis Roca Rothgerber and will continue to reside in the Phoenix office. Baumann will become Executive Committee Chairman of the new firm, residing in the Denver office. The combination is subject to additional due diligence by both law firms to be completed by the September 1 effective date.

About Lewis and Roca LLP
Lewis and Roca has been one of the Southwest's leading law firms for more than 60 years. With offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, Reno, Albuquerque and Silicon Valley, the firm's practice encompasses numerous industry and legal practice areas including litigation, real estate, business transactions, intellectual property, gaming, bankruptcy, and energy, national resources and regulatory. For additional information, please visit www.LRLaw.com.

About Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons LLP
Established in 1903, Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons LLP is one of the oldest and well-respected law firms in the Rocky Mountain region with offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Casper, Wyoming. Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons LLP has a diverse commercial practice and a national reputation in litigation and banking. This year marks the firm's 110-year history in Denver. For additional information, please visit www.Rothgerber.com.