Taft Completes Merger with Morris, Manning & Martin

Taft, one of the fastest growing law firms in the nation, and Morris, Manning & Martin LLP, a highly regarded firm with offices in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., announced the completion of their merger, effective December 31, 2025 - a significant milestone in Taft's long-term strategic growth plan. The combination, Taft's third in 2025, creates an Am Law 100 firm with more than 1,250 attorneys in 25 offices nationwide and projected revenues exceeding $1 billion.

The merger expands Taft's presence in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, establishing a foothold in Atlanta, one of the nation's fastest-growing business and legal markets, and deepening its reach in Washington, D.C. In the nation's capital, Taft will now operate two offices: a new location in Dupont Circle from Morris Manning, and its existing Capitol Hill office.

"Completing this merger is a major step forward in Taft's long-term strategy," said Robert J. Hicks, Taft's Firmwide Chairman and Managing Partner. "Morris Manning brings a remarkable legacy of excellence, strong leadership, and a culture that fits seamlessly with ours. By combining our talent and capabilities, we are poised for significant growth in Atlanta and D.C. as we continue to scale our presence nationally."

Since the merger announcement, more than 10 lawyers have already joined Taft's new offices in Atlanta and DuPont Circle, including private equity partner Matt Carlucci in Washington, D.C. and the former general counsel of Celsius Holdings, Marcus Sandifer, in Atlanta. With additional lateral hiring discussions underway, Taft expects these offices to surpass 150 lawyers in Atlanta and 100 in Washington, D.C. within three to five years.

With complementary practices and shared values, the merger enhances the combined firm's capabilities in corporate, real estate, technology, litigation, and public policy, among others. The two firms' economic alignment, comparable rate structures, and mutual commitment to client service made the combination a natural fit.

"Today marks a transformative moment for our lawyers, our clients, and the Atlanta community," said Simon Malko, former Managing Partner of Morris Manning, who will serve on Taft's Executive Committee. "Taft's national platform amplifies the strengths that have defined Morris Manning for decades - our talent, our culture, and our commitment to client service."

With the merger now complete, Wyatt Kendall and Lauren Prevost will step into new roles as Co-Partners-in-Charge of Taft's Atlanta office, leading local operations and strategic growth initiatives. Carol Weld King, previously the Managing Partner of Morris Manning's Washington, D.C. office, will serve as Partner-in-Charge for the D.C. market at Taft. King, along with partner Meredith Caiafa, will join Malko as part of Taft's Executive Committee.

"I'm thrilled to partner with Wyatt Kendall, Lauren Prevost, Carol Weld King, and Meredith Caiafa as they assume their new roles at Taft," said Hicks. "Their leadership will be key as we deepen our presence in Atlanta and D.C., continuing to build a firm that reflects the vibrancy and growth of these markets."

Success of Strategic Mergers Grows Taft into Super Middle-Market Leader

In 2025, Taft became the only Am Law 100 firm to successfully close three mergers in a single calendar year: Morris, Manning & Martin (Atlanta and Washington, D.C.); Mrachek Law (Florida); and Sherman & Howard (Mountain West). Part of a long-term strategic plan to become one of the leading national middle-market firms, Taft has now completed nine mergers in key growth markets over the past 18 years. Following these mergers, virtually all these markets have seen a remarkable growth of lawyers, ranging from 30% to 150% - which is unusually high and a rarity for law firm combinations.

As a firm, Taft's growth of revenues, lawyer headcount, and profitability during this period has been unprecedented:

• 550% increase in revenues.
• 325% increase in headcount.
• Profits per partner have risen to $1.174 million.

The key to Taft's success has been a focus on purpose-driven mergers in new geographic markets, identifying dominant local firms with a material market presence - typically 100-plus lawyers - that have significant longevity and are recognized as active leaders in their legal and business communities. Taft's unique track record of combining teams, operations, and services has been a major factor in expanding client services, headcount, and revenue growth in these new markets.

As part of this approach in Atlanta, the firm will operate under the joint brand Taft | Morris Manning during a transition period as the Taft name expands in the market.

Meet the New Office Leadership

Wyatt Kendall, Co-Partner-in-Charge, Atlanta

A partner in the Environmental and Real Estate practices, Kendall focuses on brownfield redevelopment and urban renewal projects and routinely advises local and national clients on the acquisition, development, disposition, management, and financing of properties with significant environmental issues and properties within urban and industrial areas across the country.

"Our clients are at the heart of this merger. By combining the depth of Taft's national platform with Morris Manning's industry expertise, we can deliver broader capabilities and seamless service across markets," said Kendall. "This integration means clients will have access to more resources, innovative solutions, and a team that understands their business from every angle. I'm excited to help lead this next chapter in Atlanta, a city that represents incredible opportunity for our combined firm."

Lauren Prevost, Co-Partner-in-Charge, Atlanta

As a partner in the Corporate and Securities practices and leader of Morris Manning's Real Estate Capital Markets group, Prevost represents public and private companies and REITs in a variety of capital formation transactions.

"What makes this merger so exciting is how naturally our cultures align. Both firms value collaboration, integrity, and entrepreneurial thinking," said Prevost. "That shared foundation enables our teams to work together efficiently, ensuring that delivering exceptional client service remains at the center of everything we do. I'm thrilled to help shape our leadership in Atlanta as we build on this strong cultural alignment to the benefit of our clients and our people."

Carol Weld King, Partner-in-Charge, Washington, D.C. Market

Previously the Managing Partner of Morris Manning's Washington, D.C. office, King is a partner in the Real Estate practice with a focus on transaction structuring, financing, acquisition, and development activities in the hospitality and lodging industry.

"Leading Taft's D.C. presence at this pivotal moment is an incredible opportunity," said King. "The combined firm brings unmatched depth in international trade, public policy, government affairs, and a wide range of commercial practices that matter most to our clients. With these expanded resources and a national platform behind us, we are uniquely positioned to deliver innovative and client-focused solutions in the nation's capital."

About Taft

Founded in 1885 with a 140-year legacy rooted in the historic Taft family, today Taft is one of the nation's fastest growing law firms. As a modern law firm with a non-headquarter operating model and more than 1,200 attorneys, Taft is fully committed to delivering the highest level of service to today's organizations and individuals. The legal performance of Taft attorneys is recognized nationally, with inclusion in the Am Law 100, Chambers USA, Best Lawyers®, Super Lawyers, and more. Learn more at Taftlaw.com.