As the legal community welcomes 2026, Louisiana-based law firm McGlinchey Stafford announced its closure, a move that has sent shockwaves through the industry and left many of its attorneys in search of new positions. However, not all news from the firm's wind-down is grim. Womble Bond Dickinson, a notable transatlantic Biglaw firm, has swiftly stepped in to absorb a significant portion of McGlinchey's talent.

Womble Bond Dickinson, which reported a gross revenue of $612.2 million in 2024 and is ranked No. 92 on the Am Law 100 list, is incorporating a 36-member team from McGlinchey. This team comprises 19 lawyers, including 11 partners, three counsels, and five associates, along with 17 licensing professionals from McGlinchey’s consumer financial services group. This strategic move not only bolsters Womble's workforce but also facilitates its expansion with new offices in Albany, New York, and Cleveland, Ohio, while strengthening its presence in Houston, Washington, D.C., and Irvine, California.

The integration of McGlinchey's team into Womble Bond Dickinson began in early December, with discussions culminating in a finalized deal by December 26. Just over a week later, McGlinchey's equity members voted to officially wind down operations. While the timing of these events raises questions about the impact of the team’s departure on McGlinchey’s decision to close, firm officials have stated that the closure was not directly caused by any single group's exit.

The legal market continues to show a preference for scale, making it challenging for midsize firms to maintain their foothold. McGlinchey Stafford's dissolution underscores this trend, marking a significant shift in the legal landscape at the start of the new year. Meanwhile, Womble Bond Dickinson’s acquisition of top talent from McGlinchey not only enhances its service capabilities across various locations but also demonstrates the firm's strategic growth amidst a competitive market.

As the dust settles on this significant transition, the legal community watches closely to see how this absorption will influence both Womble Bond Dickinson’s trajectory and the broader dynamics of the legal sector.