News Summary
Duffy & Sweeney, a Providence-based law firm, has merged with Stevens & Lee, marking the latter’s 16th office and expanding its New England presence. The merger aims to enhance legal service offerings for mid-market and smaller businesses without altering service rates. With a combined workforce of over 400 attorneys and staff, the firms are poised to improve their capabilities in various legal domains including M&A, litigation, and real estate law. Founders from both firms will co-chair the new division, ensuring a commitment to quality service amid growth.
Providence, Rhode Island – Duffy & Sweeney Ltd., a law firm based in Providence, has officially merged with Stevens & Lee, resulting in a significant expansion of Stevens & Lee’s presence in New England. This merger marks the establishment of Duffy & Sweeney as Stevens & Lee’s 16th office, further cementing its footprint in the region.
The new office will operate under the name “Duffy & Sweeney, a division of Stevens & Lee,” and is aimed at enhancing the firm’s ability to serve mid-market businesses, family-owned entities, and smaller institutions. Both firms have confirmed that the rates for legal services will remain unchanged, allowing clients to expect the same level of quality while benefiting from expanded resources and service offerings.
As part of this merger, Duffy & Sweeney, which currently employs approximately 20 lawyers and paralegals, will now have access to Stevens & Lee’s extensive network of over 200 attorneys and an additional 200 staff across various states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Rhode Island, Delaware, and Florida. The firms have outlined that their combined capabilities will better position them to offer enhanced legal services, particularly in areas such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A), litigation, and real estate law.
The driving force behind this merger includes Stevens & Lee’s desire to expand its reach into New England and Duffy & Sweeney’s need for more resources to enhance its capabilities. As part of the merger, founders Michael F. Sweeney and Robert M. Duffy will co-chair the new New England division under Stevens & Lee.
Strategic Growth and Client Service
The merger aligns with Stevens & Lee’s strategic growth plan aimed at strengthening its services in the New England market. Both firms have emphasized a commitment to maintaining their respective cultures while working towards expanding their capabilities. Client communication has already begun, with positive feedback from clients of both firms about the changes stemming from the merger.
Michael F. Sweeney, one of the founding partners of Duffy & Sweeney, has noted that this merger aligns with the firm’s goals, especially in the post-COVID landscape where law firms are adapting to new realities. The intention is to avoid transitioning towards a “big law” status while still improving the quality and breadth of services offered.
Background Context
Duffy & Sweeney has established itself as a top-tier transaction and litigation boutique in New England. Over the years, the firm has built a strong reputation for its commitment to quality and client-centered service, making it a primary choice for many businesses in the region. The merger with Stevens & Lee is expected to amplify these strengths through a broader range of offerings and greater access to legal expertise.
Stevens & Lee, on the other hand, is recognized as a full-service law firm with substantial resources and a broad geographical footprint across several states. The firm has cultivated a reputation for its entrepreneurial approach to law and has actively pursued avenues for strategic growth, including this recent merger. This expansion represents a crucial step in its objective to establish a more formidable presence in key legal markets.
With this merger, both Duffy & Sweeney and Stevens & Lee are well-positioned to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of legal services, ensuring that they can adequately meet the needs of their clients while prioritizing a collaborative and growth-oriented environment. The announcement has prompted positive anticipation among clients about what the future holds for both firms.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- GoLocalProv: Rhode Island Law Firm Merge
- Central Pennsylvania Business Journal: Stevens & Lee Expansion
- The Legal Intelligencer: Stevens & Lee Merger
- Wikipedia: Law Firm
- Google Search: Law Firm Mergers
