Foley contemplating merger

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Milwaukee-based Foley & Lardner is already a giant in the legal industry – and it could be getting bigger.

Jill Chanen, Foley public relations manager,  released a statement Thursday to the Wisconsin Law Journal confirming recent reports that the firm is discussing a possible merger with a firm in the Southwest. Foley was founded in 1842 and has more than 800 lawyers in 19 offices, including some in Madison, New York, Washington, D.C., Brussels and Tokyo.

“We continuously evaluate opportunities that will advance the interests of our clients and the firm,” Chanen said in the statement. “As part of these efforts, we have engaged in discussions with Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP about the mutual benefits for clients that may stem from a combination. As the discussions are still underway, and no final decision has been reached, we do not have any further information to share at this time.”

Gardere, which was founded in 1909, has more than 200 lawyers and offices in Austin, Dallas, Denver, Houston and Mexico City. Follow @erikastrebel