BOSTON and CHICAGO, Aug. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The partnerships of Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP and Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon LLP are pleased to announce that the firms will merge on October 1, 2011. The new firm, with 13 offices and 650 lawyers, will be known as Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP.

Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP will offer integrated services across a core group of disciplines in which the legacy firms have long enjoyed premier reputations: corporate and financial transactions, complex litigation, insurance and reinsurance, and intellectual property. The client base will consist of Fortune 500 companies, government, non-profit institutions and other private businesses.

“This is a transformative moment for both firms,” said Walter G.D. Reed, the managing partner of EAPD. “In this competitive market, clients expect their preferred law firms to deliver a full range of legal services in a variety of geographies. This combination enhances our already-strong capabilities and establishes a solid foundation for continued growth.”

“While considering a merger, we found that we have a great deal in common,” added Robert L. Shuftan, the managing partner of Wildman Harrold. “We are impressed with EAPD’s approach to client service, as well as its collaborative culture. Our firms have shared values, complementary practice areas, and the economic compatibility necessary to make this merger successful.”

In addition to their shared commitment to client service, both firms share a tradition of collegiality, teamwork and entrepreneurship. The firms’ lawyers, drawn from the diverse range of backgrounds that mirrors their clientele, will continue to play a leading role in pro bono and community service.

Walter Reed will serve as the managing partner of Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP. Robert Shuftan will serve as deputy managing partner and chair of the firm’s Strategic Planning Committee. Judith Hurley will serve as chief operating officer.

The website for the new firm will be www.edwardswildman.com. For additional information, please follow us on Twitter at @edwardswildman for merger-related developments.

About Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP

Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge offers a full array of legal services to clients worldwide. EAPD’s mission is to create value by providing superior legal advice and business counsel that protects clients’ interests and advances their goals. The firm’s 11 offices are located in Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Hartford, Madison (NJ), Newport Beach, New York, Providence, Stamford, Washington, DC, West Palm Beach, and London, with an associated office in Hong Kong. EAPD comprises the legal entities of Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP and Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge UK LLP. For more information, please visit eapdlaw.com.

About Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon LLP

With offices in Chicago and Los Angeles, Wildman Harrold represents Fortune 500 companies and private businesses in Complex Litigation, Business Transactions and Intellectual Property. The national Litigation practice is regarded as one of the best in the country, and is recognized by Chambers USA and Corporate Counsel magazine as a “Go-To” Law Firm. The Transactions Department provides legal counsel on all corporate matters with a highly specialized practice for private equity funds. The Intellectual Property practice addresses the full -range of IP matters, with particular strength in IP litigation, privacy and new media.

SOURCE Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP; Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon LLP