What’s in a Name: Labeling the Thelen Merger

It’s another merger — San Francisco-based Thelen Reid & Priest is combining forces with New York-based Brown Raysman Millstein Felder & Steiner — and of course you’re wondering why one name was chosen to go before the other.

According to Thelen Reid & Priest head Stephen O’Neal, it was never a topic of discussion.

“We’re certainly larger, so I don’t think it was a surprise,” O’Neal said, who will serve as co-chairman with Brown co-managing partner Julian Millstein at the new firm.

Though they don’t get to be first on the stationery, Brown did get to retain three of its names — one more than Thelen. O’Neal said that it was due to the fact that Brown is a first-generation firm whose founders are still working with the firm.

Although the new name is shorter than the eight total names between the two firms, it could get shorter still.

Millstein said the name is not set in stone and could be shortened for marketing purposes as time goes on.

— Zusha Elinson

Chasing the Dewey Orrick Name Mystery

Thomas E. Dewey famously said, “When you’re leading, don’t talk.”

As the promising merger between the law firm that bears his name, Dewey Ballentine, and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe draws closer to completion, the parties are apparently taking his advice to heart when discussing the name of the new firm: “Dewey Orrick.”

Ralph Baxter Jr. and Morton Pierce, the co-chairmen-to-be, could not be induced to comment on the rumor, snatched off the Wall Street Journal’s law blog, that “the Thomas Dewey estate allows them to use the Dewey name only if it comes first.”

There was, however, one leader who was willing to say something.

Secret Behind the ‘Dewey Orrick’ Name?

Ralph Baxter Jr. and Morton Pierce were eager to share the highlights of the upcoming merger between their firms, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe and Dewey Ballantine.

Well, most of them.