New Orleans Law Firm McGlinchey Stafford Chooses to Wind Down

McGlinchey Stafford, a 160-attorney firm founded in New Orleans, is folding after equity members voted to “begin an orderly wind-down of operations,” the firm announced Tuesday.

The firm’s managing member, Michael Ferachi, said in a statement the decision was “based on a combination of market factors and internal circumstances.” The firm has hired outside consultants and counsel to assist with transitioning client and employee services.

“There was no single triggering event or one definitive action that brought us to this point,” Ferachi said. “This is not because of any specific attorney’s departure, or any individual financial decision or leadership action that led us to this point. This is the result of a combination of market factors, such as lagging collections, compounded with various internal factors over several years.”

McGlinchey, a “full-service” firm founded in 1972, shutters after building out 18 offices in major US legal markets, including Houston, Dallas, New York, Washington DC, and Boston, according to its website. The firm experienced recent growth, welcoming more than 50 new attorneys in 2023. About 60% of its policy committee and 93% of its office managing members in 2025 were Gen X and millennial leaders, according to the statement.

The firm’s wind-down statement noted that a number of attorneys have recently joined other firms.

“Our team comprises exceptional legal minds and some of the most skilled legal talent in the market, and while we are sad to bid them farewell, we know they will all thrive wherever they choose to land,” Ferachi said. “McGlinchey will continue to provide seamless, cohesive service and client transition support throughout this process.”