In a strategic move designed to bolster its footprint in the Midwest, Cozen O’Connor, a Philadelphia-based law firm currently ranked 77th on the 2025 Am Law 100 based on gross revenue, has announced a merger with Minneapolis's Moss & Barnett. This merger will see Cozen adding more than 50 attorneys to its roster, significantly enhancing its capabilities and reach in the region.

Michael Heller, chairman and CEO of Cozen, emphasized the merger's strategic importance, stating, “This combination advances our commitment to deepen our presence across the Midwest, a strategically important region for the firm and our clients.” He praised Moss & Barnett’s longstanding community presence since 1892 as aligning perfectly with Cozen O’Connor’s vision for growth.

In a statement to Bloomberg Law, Heller highlighted the strategic choice of Minneapolis, noting, “We have a strong middle-market practice and continue to pursue those clients while also continuing to expand our client portfolio because now the Minneapolis folks have a national platform by which to engage those clients.”

From the perspective of Moss & Barnett, the merger was unanimously approved by its partners, despite the potential risks associated with losing independence. Brian Grogan, president and CEO of Moss & Barnett, acknowledged these risks but pointed out the overwhelming benefits. “Cozen invests heavily in AI technology to improve legal tech for their clients,” Grogan stated. He elaborated that such scale of operation and technological advancement was something a smaller regional firm couldn't compete with, which played a significant role in their decision.

Grogan further explained, “That’s something you have to consider when you ask how can we continue to provide the best opportunities for our lawyers and clients.”

The merger is anticipated to push the combined 2025 revenue for the firms to exceed $800 million, marking a significant increase and showcasing the potential financial benefits of this strategic union.

This merger not only signifies Cozen O’Connor’s aggressive expansion strategy but also highlights the evolving dynamics of the legal industry where scale and technological capability are becoming crucial competitive edges. As these two firms unite their strengths, the legal landscapes in the Midwest and beyond are set to witness a transformative change, promising enhanced services and capabilities.