Kilpatrick Stockton and Townsend and Townsend and Crew Unite

ATLANTA and SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 3, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Kilpatrick Stockton and Townsend and Townsend and Crew today jointly announced the merger of their high-profile firms, creating one of the world's leading law firms. Following the merger's effective date of January 1, 2011, the combined firm will be known as Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP.

Bill Dorris of Kilpatrick Stockton will serve as Chair of Kilpatrick Townsend. Diane Prucino of Kilpatrick Stockton and Maureen Sheehy of Townsend will serve the new firm as Co-Managing Partners.

"The merger combines the experience of some of the nation's preeminent attorneys representing a who's who of corporate clients across an extensive range of industries," said Bill Dorris, Chair of Kilpatrick Townsend. "From intellectual property to corporate to litigation, Kilpatrick Townsend clients will have access to a diverse group of nearly 650 attorneys with the resources to offer clients expanded, strategic expertise."

According to data from the 2009 National Law Journal 250 and 2010 American Lawyer's AmLaw 100, the merged firm of approximately 650 attorneys in 17 offices would rank among the nation's 70 largest law firms in number of attorneys and revenue. Kilpatrick Townsend will also have one of the largest intellectual property practices in the world.

"The leadership at Kilpatrick Townsend is excited about bringing these two premier firms together to create one of the world's leading, multi-practice law firms," said Maureen Sheehy, Co-Managing Partner, Kilpatrick Townsend. "Townsend is a renowned marketplace leader in its core strength of intellectual property and will enhance Kilpatrick Stockton's already exceptional scope of client services."

Kilpatrick Townsend will have 17 offices extending into the four corners of the continental United States; Asia; and Europe, including: Atlanta, GA; Augusta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Denver, CO; New York, NY; Oakland, CA; Palo Alto, CA; Raleigh, NC; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; Walnut Creek, CA; Washington, DC; Winston-Salem, NC; Dubai; Stockholm; and Tokyo.

"Because both firms have known each other for years and share a dedication to offering excellent service, clients will see a seamless transition as our two notable firms become one," said Diane Prucino, Co-Managing Partner, Kilpatrick Townsend. "Both firms highly value client service and are committed to making a difference in the 17 communities they serve – from pro bono to volunteerism. That makes me particularly proud."

The merger with Townsend comes one month after Kilpatrick Stockton announced its merger with Oakland-based construction firm Bell, Rosenberg & Hughes.

About Kilpatrick Stockton

Kilpatrick Stockton LLP is one of the world's leading law firms with approximately 465 attorneys in 10 offices across the globe, including: in the United States (Atlanta, Augusta, Charlotte, New York City, Oakland, Raleigh, Washington, DC, and Winston-Salem); in the Middle East (Dubai); and in Europe (Stockholm). Kilpatrick Stockton's delivery of innovative business solutions provides results-oriented counsel for corporations, from the challenging demands of financial transactions and securities to the disciplines of intellectual property management. Collaboration among Kilpatrick Stockton's corporate, litigation and intellectual property attorneys provides knowledgeable and proactive guidance for companies at every stage of the business life cycle. For more information about Kilpatrick Stockton, please visit www.kilpatrickstockton.com.

About Townsend and Townsend and Crew

Long recognized as one of the nation's leading IP practices, Townsend teams with businesses, inventors, entrepreneurs, scientists and investors to protect their innovative products and ideas. The firm offers a full range of intellectual property services, including patent, copyright and trademark litigation, prosecution and licensing, with additional expertise in antitrust and commercial litigation. With headquarters in San Francisco and additional offices in Palo Alto, Walnut Creek, San Diego, Seattle, Denver, Washington, DC, and Tokyo, Townsend has nearly 200 lawyers and professionals, many with advanced technical degrees and extensive scientific and business experience. For more information about Townsend and Townsend and Crew, please visit www.townsend.com.

SOURCE Kilpatrick Stockton LLP