Skip to main content

American Juris Society

The First Biglaw Giant To Fall In The Great Recession

Ed. Note: Welcome to our daily feature Trivia Question of the Day!

Founded in San Francisco in 1890, this was one of the oldest and most prestigious law firms on the West Coast — innovative enough to launch the first law firm website, back in 1994. But in September 2008, as the financial crisis peaked, a rival poached 15 of its intellectual-property partners in a single swoop, which torpedoed the merger talks that were supposed to save it. The exodus snowballed, and within weeks the partnership of which firm voted to dissolve, making it the first Biglaw giant to fall in the Great Recession?

Hint: The departing IP group jumped to Covington & Burling, which was expanding into Silicon Valley, and the merger that collapsed in its wake was with Mayer Brown. The firm confirmed its dissolution just days after Lehman Brothers went under.

See the answer on the next page.

The post The First Biglaw Giant To Fall In The Great Recession appeared first on Above the Law.

We’re Building Something Worth Joining

The American Juris Society: we’re not just another paid listing or vanity award. We’re here because we believe attorneys deserve real benefits, real connections, and real recognition—without the gimmicks.

As an accepted member, you’ll get:

  • Exclusive Networking Opportunities: Connect with top legal professionals nationwide
  • Educational Resources & CLE Access: Stay ahead with valuable learning tools
  • Professional Recognition That Matters: Showcase your expertise with credibility
  • Client Referral & Growth Opportunities: Expand your reach and visibility
  • A Community Built on Integrity: We care about our members, and we prove it
Limited-Time Founding Offer: The first 100 members in each state receive an exclusive discount!