With the merger, the total headcount of attorneys now at Adams and Reese comes to 340 and the law firm now has 16 offices in seven states and Washington D.C.
Ellis Lawhorne Managing Shareholder William P. McElveen, Jr, will be the new Transaction Practice Group Leader in the merged firm. The Columbia office of Adams and Reese would be looked after by Robert P. Bethea in the capacity of Partner in Charge.
Speaking on the merger, Charles P. Adams, Jr, of Adams and Reese said, “Our firm’s strategic plan directs selective growth in targeted markets, and from our first meeting with the shareholders of Ellis Lawhorne last November, we knew our firms were a perfect fit … From the outset, we realized that our firms shared similar values, clients, and a complementary practice mix. We were extremely impressed with Ellis Lawhorne, the caliber of their attorneys, their practice, and their clients from the first time we were introduced.”
Ellis Lawhorne has established its reputation in Columbia business circles since 1980 and is known as an active member in the growth and economic development of the city.
Ellis Lawhorne Managing Partner, McElveen, said, “As we looked to grow our business and better meet our clients’ needs, joining a large regional firm was the most logical and efficient course for us to take … We were impressed by the firm’s well-known reputation as a strong, solid, and well-managed regional firm with a well-defined vision and long-term strategic plan, which was very attractive to us.”