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Greenville Business Magazine

Burr & Forman To Acquire McNair

Nov 05, 2018 10:24AM ● By Kathleen Maris

Burr & Forman LLP announced that it will acquire McNair Law Firm, P.A., with McNair attorneys and employees joining Burr & Forman effective January 1, 2019. The acquisition solidifies Burr & Forman’s position as a full-service Southeastern-based law firm with transactional, litigation, and regulatory capabilities, creating a platform to better serve clients and deepen the firm’s bench in key industries such as manufacturing, transportation, banking, public finance, intellectual property, real estate, food and beverage, hospitality, and health care.

“In considering expansion, we are always mindful of our clients’ needs. Combining our resources greatly benefits both firms, growing our footprint into one of the largest firms in the Southeast with a collective portfolio that spans national practices and serves industries that are the cornerstone of our region’s economy,” said Ed Christian, chief executive officer at Burr & Forman. “Unlike many law firms outside the region who have entered into the Carolinas to capitalize on the area’s growth, McNair understands the intricacies of doing business in South and North Carolina and immediately provides Burr & Forman with an established history and tradition in the Carolinas – being founded by former governor Robert McNair nearly 50 years ago.”

McNair’s in-depth legal skills in the areas of public finance, intellectual property, real estate, tax, economic development, government relations, and trust and estates bolster key practices where Burr & Forman’s client base is growing. Similarly, Burr & Forman’s strengths in economic development, health care, labor and employment, transportation, corporate, and mergers & acquisitions practices will provide additional resources for McNair’s clients.

“Our entire firm is excited about the tremendous benefits that joining Burr & Forman provides to our clients and team members alike,” said David Tigges, who currently serves as managing shareholder of McNair and will join the firm’s Executive Committee and serve as the Carolinas managing partner at Burr & Forman. “The cultural fit and business synergy we share with Burr & Forman made this an easy decision for our shareholders. Both firms have great mutual respect for each other, and joining Burr & Forman serves to strategically expand our collective capabilities in terms of resources, client service, and diverse leadership.”

McNair’s 84 attorneys will join Burr & Forman from seven offices across North Carolina and South Carolina to create a stronger full-service firm with more than 350 legal and business professionals, expanding the firm’s footprint to 19 offices across eight states with people who are fully invested in the firm’s clients and communities.