Taft announces expansion into Denver market with new merger
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Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP is heading out west through the law firm’s newest merger with Sherman & Howard LLC in Denver.
The firm announced Monday that it will merge with that city’s oldest and third-largest law firm effective Jan. 1, 2025.
All eight of Sherman & Howard’s offices will join Taft’s nine primary markets, which include the firm’s Indianapolis site. The merger will add 125 attorneys to Taft’s list of attorneys that span from Denver to Washington D.C., taking its number to more than 1,000 attorneys in the firm.
Taft now has offices in 10 states across the U.S.
When each firm decided to expand its services for clients, leadership at both saw the other as the perfect addition to its mission, according to the firm.
“From the inception of the firm in 1892, we have helped shape the businesses and cities where we work and live. When we began discussions with Taft, we were immediately drawn to their collaborative, value-driven approach, and the success they have achieved by merging with firms that have a strong, local presence like we do,” said Sherman & Howard CEO Stefan Stein in a news release. “The alignment of our client-focused, people-first cultures, and the commitments to our respective communities, made this an easy decision.”
With the merger, Sherman & Howard will play an integral role in Taft’s firmwide leadership structure, which prioritizes decision-making autonomy for local market leadership while also maintaining the “One Taft” cohesive delivery model.
“We welcome the respected and talented group of attorneys and staff from Sherman & Howard to our team,” said Taft Chairman and Managing Partner Robert J. Hicks in the release. “They have an outstanding reputation and client base. With our shared commitment to our clients and communities, and our shared values of exceptional client service, teamwork, and inclusion and diversity, we are looking forward to the tremendous opportunities this merger brings our respective clients and firms.”
Taft has completed six mergers in the past 16 years, including those in Detroit, Minneapolis, Chicago, Columbus, Cleveland, and Indianapolis.
With the addition of Sherman & Howard, Taft’s projected 2024 combined revenues are $810 million, and its projected 2025 revenues are $875 million, according to the firm.
Am Law 100 recognized Taft as the nation’s fastest-growing law firm in 2022.
Sherman & Howard completed four mergers in the past 17 years, including in Denver, Phoenix, and Aspen.