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Two law firms with a southern Indiana presence will merge next year, uniting more than 325 attorneys in 14 offices across four states.
Ohio-based Bricker Graydon LLP, with an office in Lawrenceburg, and Kentucky-based Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs LLP, with an office in New Albany, are joining forces effective Jan. 1. The resulting law firm of Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP will have offices in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee, providing services in banking, business, higher education, data protection, health care and more.
“This merger brings together two firms that share not only complementary practices, but also a deep commitment to client service, collaboration, and community,” said Chris McCloskey, managing partner of Bricker Graydon, in a statement. “Combining our strengths will expand the breadth and depth of resources available to our clients while maintaining the culture and relationships that define who we are, and it positions us for long-term growth across the region.”
According to the announcement, McCloskey will remain as managing partner following the merger.
Both firms considered it critical to find a merger partner that was committed to maintaining a positive culture based on “mutual respect and teamwork.”
“We couldn’t be happier with this merger, what it means for our clients and our team, and how it positions us for the future,” said Franklin Jelsma, managing partner of Wyatt, in a statement. “This announcement is the culmination of a great deal of hard work and strategic planning, all designed to improve the ability of our firm to contribute to the success of our clients.”
According to Bricker Graydon, the merger will broaden the firm’s services in key industries such as real estate, energy, and construction, while strengthening existing capabilities in litigation, M&A, estate planning and complex public sector representation.
Following the merger, Bricker Graydon Wyatt will maintain all of its existing offices, including its southern Indiana locations.
Across the country, law firm mergers have been steadily rising over the past five years.
So far in 2025, Fairfax Associates has identified 47 completed law firm mergers in the U.S.—which is up from 43 for the same period a year ago and is on track to reach its highest annual number since the COVID-19 pandemic.
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