Three York-based law firms are becoming one in a merger slated to close Oct. 1.
- The firms are Blakey Yost Bupp & Rausch; Griest Himes Herrold Reynosa; and MPL Law Firm.
- “We all have great respect for each other and we have always worked well together even when on opposing sides,” said James Sanders, an attorney at MPL. “We decided that working together would be even better.”
- The union also creates a firm with more depth and experience in key practice areas, such as business and real estate law, and creates administrative efficiencies, Sanders said.
- The existing firm partnerships are combining under a new partnership agreement with 12 partners, Sanders said. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Will it have a name: Yes. The firms are coming together under the banner of MPL Law Firm.
- They will operate from the fourth and fifth floors of 96 S. George St. in downtown York.
- MPL moved last fall into the fifth-floor space — which once housed the leadership of papermaker Glatfelter.
- The existing offices of Blakey Yost (17 E. Market St.) and Griest Himes (129 E. Market St.) will close, Sanders said.
- The firms are blending their real estate settlement and title services under the aegis of MPL Landservices LLC.
How many lawyers: 19 in all.
- Nine are coming from MPL, plus five from each of the other two firms.
- The firm will be led by a three-person management committee.
- Its executive director will be Michelle Fishel, who has been office manager for MPL.
What’s next: The merged firm plans to make “substantial” investments in technology that will allow for greater flexibility in recruiting, Sanders said.
- The technology also will allow the firm to expand beyond York as opportunities arise, he added.
