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McGuireWoods LLP announced that it has finalized an agreement to combine operations with the Houston-based firm of Nickens Keeton Lawless Farrell & Flack LLP (Nickens Keeton). The agreement, pending final approval of the partnerships of both firms, will become effective Jan. 1, 2011. Nickens Keeton will operate under the McGuireWoods name.
Founded in 2002, Nickens Keeton focuses on civil litigation, with Texas litigator J.C. Nickens as its lead name  partner. Nickens and partners Richard Keeton, Tom Farrell and Paul Flack are among the most respected trial lawyers in Houston, the firm said in a press release.
Ron Franklin, currently with the Houston firm of Franklin Cardwell & Jones, will join Nickens Keeton on  Dec. 1, thus becoming part of McGuireWoods once the transaction is complete.  Franklin has handled high profile civil cases for more than 30 years..
Collectively, the five partners who will practice out of the Houston office will bring more than 160 years of combined experience  handling complex civil cases of all types in Texas and across the country.
“Establishing an office in Texas is a key part of the firm’s strategic plan, as our clients and McGuireWoods Consulting’s clients frequently have needs there,” said Richard Cullen, chairman of McGuireWoods.  “But expansion is never a decision we make lightly. We first wanted to find the right firm to partner with. In Nickens Keeton and Ron Franklin, we not only found a group with incredibly talented lawyers, but one with similar values and  culture.”
Said Nickens: “We have had a good run practicing in a small firm environment, and are energized by the opportunity to continue representing clients from the enhanced platform that McGuireWoods provides.â€
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“The partnership with McGuireWoods gives us the ability and capacity to represent clients in any litigation, regardless of size, complexity, or urgency. “
McGuireWoods, said  this is its firm’s fifth expansion in as many years. In 2009,  the firm expanded its international presence by partnering with Grundberg,  Mocatta & Rakison in London; in Charlotte in 2008 by merging with Helms,  Mullis & Wicker; and in 2006 by expanding its offices in Chicago and Los  Angeles, after mergers with two separate law firms.
McGuireWoods LLP is a full-service law firm with  approximately 900 lawyers in 17 offices worldwide.
