Wolf Block law firm to dissolve

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South Florida Business Journal:: "The partners of Wolf Block voted Monday to dissolve the 106-year-old law firm due to a combination of effects of the recession on the firm’s core real estate practice, the constriction of credit and the anticipated departures of significant partners and practices. The firm said it would remain in business for several months to protect the interests of its clients, employees and creditors.

Proposed mergers with two 500-lawyer firms — Philadelphia’s Cozen O’Connor in 2007 and Florida’s Akerman Senterfitt in 2008 — fell through after lengthy, public negotiations. After the Akerman Senterfitt deal collapsed after Labor Day, Alderman said the firm would not entertain other merger possibilities until after its fiscal year ended on Jan. 31. Soon after the end of the fiscal year, when partners collect their year-end compensation, some of the firm’s partners began peeling off. "

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Spin-Off from Fowler White

Spin-Off from Major Florida Law Firm to be Called Banker Lopez Gassler, Change Becomes Effective Nov. 1 - CoStar Group: "Spin-Off from Major Florida Law Firm to be Called Banker Lopez Gassler.

Three insurance defense practice groups operating within Fowler White Boggs Banker, one of Florida's biggest and best-known law firms, will formally organize as a separate entity called Banker Lopez Gassler. The original 65-year-old Florida firm will continue with its business and commercial litigation practice including litigation, tax, business, regulatory and appellate work.

The spin-off, which involves approximately 150 attorneys and staff members, does not signal any financial concerns, nor is it expected to result in any layoffs, according to Rhea Law, Fowler White Boggs’ chief executive and board chair, noting that Fowler White has added 15 attorneys to its ranks over the past several months.

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Akerman Senterfitt and Wolf Block deal off

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports:

A planned merger between Wolf Block and Akerman Senterfitt has been called off, "derailed by a struggling economy and stagnant revenue that raised the risk to unacceptable levels", participants in the negotiations said.

INQUIRER STAFF WRITER

Philadelphia law firm calls off merger