Ballard Spahr to Merge With Pacific Northwest’s Lane Powell (2)

Ballard Spahr is merging with Lane Powell as a Big Law consolidation spree continues.

Philadelphia-founded Ballard Spahr and Seattle’s Lane Powell are set to officially tie up on Jan. 1, the firms said Monday. The combined firm, to be led by Ballard Spahr’s Peter Michaud, will have more than 750 lawyers across 18 US offices.

Some large firms have looked to merger talks to keep pace with rapid growth across the legal industry. Troutman Pepper, another Philadelphia firm, said last week it will officially merge with Texas-based Locke Lord in January.

“We’re very strong in our market, but we feel ...