Traditionally, large corporations have opted to get legal services from white-shoe firms based in “money centers” such as New York, Cleveland and Chicago. But as the economy contracts, companies are looking for value, and that has created growth opportunities for Grand Rapids-based Warner Norcross & Judd.
In addition to a net increase of 10 new associates starting with the firm this fall, WNJ has also added several senior-level partners who brought their own clients – and in some cases entirely new practice areas – to a firm with offices in Muskegon, Holland, Lansing, Southfield and Sterling Heights in addition to its Grand Rapids headquarters.
“We are expanding our east-side presence in the state of Michigan,” said Douglas E. Wagner, the firm’s managing partner. “We’re bringing in experienced practitioners with established client relationships into our Southfield and Sterling Heights offices, and competing quite effectively for clients in Southeast Michigan. We're picking up market share in significant part from money-center firms in Chicago and Cleveland, and we've targeted large Michigan businesses who, in the past, have gone to money-center firms for certain, if not all, of their legal services. We’ve convinced them that we’re a much better value.”
New WNJ practice areas include climate change, economic development incentives and international dispute resolution.
By adding six new partners, 13 new senior counsels and 31 new associates, WNJ has moved into the prestigious AmLaw Top 200 list.
Source: Douglas E. Wagner, Warner Norcross & Judd; Mary Ann Sabo, Sabo Public Relations
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth. She can be contacted at [email protected].
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.