Columbia-based Nexsen Pruet merges with Alabama firm, rebrands.

• Position: Maynard Cooper & Gale

Alabama-based Maynard Cooper & Gale and Columbia-based Nexsen Pruet have agreed to merge into one national law firm operating under the name Maynard Nexsen effective April 1, 2023.

As a combined firm, Maynard Nexsen will join together more than 550 lawyers operating out of 23 offices coast to coast in the United States, a release from Maynard Cooper & Gale stated. The merger combines two client-centered firms that will focus on further expansion in high-growth, high-opportunity markets, bolstered by the increased depth and breadth of client service offerings.

Maynard Nexsen will implement a shared leadership team, bringing together decision-makers who have successfully steered both law firms for many years, the release stated. Jeff Grantham, managing shareholder of Maynard Cooper & Gale, will serve as CEO, and managing shareholder of the combined firm. Leighton Lord, Chairman of Nexsen Pruet, will serve as President and chief strategy officer, the release stated. Greg Curran, chairman of Maynard, will serve as chairman of the board and head of client relations for the combined law firm.

"Maynard Nexsen is a merger of two thriving firms that share the same culture, vision, and commitment to excellence," Grantham said in the release. "With deep relationships and decades of experience in our respective markets, the firms fit together in a way that positions Maynard Nexsen for accelerated growth and collective success.

Our newly combined firm will build on our common culture of client-centered service, collaborative teamwork, and entrepreneurial spirit. At over 550 attorneys strong, Maynard Nexsen will elevate our service and value proposition for our clients through greater capabilities, expanded geographical reach, and deeper bench strength that will allow us to handle any matter.

"This is an...