Bingham seals eighth merger for West Coast push

US firm Bingham McCutchen has merged with Los Angeles firm Alschuler Grossman, increasing its litigation capabilities.

Alschuler Grossman, which will add 40 lawyers to Bingham's Los Angeles office, is well know for its work on high profile litigation cases.

This is the eighth merger for Bingham and the second in 2007: the other being a joint venture with Tokyo firm Sakai & Mimura.

Managing partner of the firm's Los Angeles office, Richard Welch, said: "The combination allows the firm to expand across the state. Alschuler is well known for its high profile, high stake litigation and this is something Bingham is keen to expand."

Bingham has a longstanding relationship with Alschuler Grossman and did not consider any other firms to contribute to its growing litigation practice.

Welch said: "It's a natural fit. We know them all very well and we believe this is the best move for the firm. Alschuler practises in other areas such as real estate finance, M&A and securities. This complements the work that Bingham is already doing.”