McMillan and Lang Michener combine to create a new Canadian business law firm with national reach

McMillan LLP and Lang Michener LLP today announced that they have reached an agreement to combine, effective January 1, 2011, to form a new leading Canadian law firm specializing in the needs of business with top legal talent and client-focused service.

McMillan and Lang Michener have chosen to continue under the single name: McMillan. The new firm will rank among the leading Canadian law firms based on size and reach, offering clients a more robust national presence and stronger international ties.

“This is a great opportunity for McMillan, Lang Michener and for our combined current and future clients,” said Andrew Kent, CEO. “The combined firm, the new McMillan, stands as a truly modern, ambitious law firm with enhanced scope, a deeper bench and a broad range of expertise.

For our clients this means expanded service and greater opportunity. For our partners, lawyers and staff it means the chance to participate in and contribute to a growth-oriented enterprise as we build together for the future,” said Robert Cranston, Managing Partner, Lang Michener, Eastern Division.

This represents an ideal partnership – one that honours and extends the ethic of excellence and expertise upon which Lang Michener and its predecessor firms were founded,” said François Tougas, Chair, Lang Michener, Western Division.

The combined firm will have close to 400 lawyers, with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, and Hong Kong and have complementary product offerings creating numerous opportunities for cross-collaboration and expansion.

The new firm will provide a broader mix of services and specialties to clients from more offices across Canada and in the critical growth markets of Asia and Latin America. The firm is poised to bolster its presence across a number of key industry sectors including: mining, forest products, oil and gas, financial services, transportation, technology and communications, manufacturing, automotive and more.

“This is just the beginning,” added Kent. “Our combined law firm will be defined by a focus on geographic expansion, continued growth in product offerings and professional excellence. In the weeks, months and years to come our ambition is clear: To stand as the best and first choice in Canada for business clients seeking first class legal advice, support and service.”