What's Happening?
Manning & Kass, a downtown law firm, has expanded its operations into the Inland Empire by acquiring the Smith Law Group. This merger, completed in January, brings nine attorneys and their support staff into Manning & Kass, enhancing their governmental entity liability team. Doug Smith, the founder of Smith Law Group and a former judge advocate for the United States Marine Corps, leads the new team. The acquisition is seen as a strategic fit due to shared clients and a similar culture of empowerment and respect. Eugene Ramirez, a name partner at Manning & Kass, highlighted the benefits of merging teams that represent similar public entities.
Why It's Important?
The acquisition signifies Manning & Kass's strategic growth and expansion into new markets, which could
enhance their service offerings and client base. By integrating Smith Law Group, Manning & Kass strengthens its position in the governmental entity liability sector, potentially increasing its influence and competitiveness. This move could also set a precedent for other mid-sized firms looking to expand through strategic acquisitions, impacting the legal industry by encouraging similar mergers and collaborations.
