Fennemore and Gallagher & Kennedy have agreed to merge, creating one of Arizona’s largest business law firms and significantly expanding Fennemore’s presence in Phoenix and the broader Southwest. The combination is scheduled to become effective December 1, 2026. And the combined organization will operate under the Fennemore name.
Following the merger, Fennemore will have nearly 300 lawyers and legal professionals in Phoenix and more than 800 professionals across the broader firm.
Both firms have longstanding roots in Arizona and extensive relationships with companies and organizations across the region.
Gallagher & Kennedy will bring additional capabilities in natural resources, environmental law, water, litigation and business law.
The transaction will also expand Fennemore’s presence in New Mexico through Gallagher & Kennedy’s Santa Fe office.
Fennemore is an Am Law 200 firm and has been pursuing an expansion strategy that combines geographic growth with technology investments.
Clients of Gallagher & Kennedy are expected to gain access to Fennemore’s broader national resources and technology capabilities, including the firm’s Project BlueWave AI initiative.
The combination also increases Fennemore’s ability to serve larger clients across a wider range of legal specialties while maintaining a significant Arizona presence.
For Gallagher & Kennedy, joining a larger platform provides additional resources and geographic reach while allowing its attorneys to continue serving existing clients.
The firms described the transaction as a combination of organizations with complementary cultures, client relationships and regional histories.
KEY QUOTES:
“It is rare to have the opportunity to bring together two firms with this much history, this caliber of talent.”
James Goodnow, CEO of Fennemore
