Fennemore Company Profile

Background

Founded in 1885, Fennemore is a full-service Am Law 200 business law firm dedicated to helping businesses thrive. With a mission to go beyond the expected through forward-thinking advocacy, creativity, and genuine care, Fennemore aims to deliver maximum value to its clients and team members. The firm has a significant presence across the Western United States, with offices in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, and Washington. Fennemore's commitment to innovation and client-centric service has positioned it as a leader in the legal industry.

Key Strategic Focus

Fennemore's strategic focus centers on embracing change and driving innovation to better serve its clients. The firm employs a "sense, seek, seize" approach, continually looking ahead to anticipate and meet client needs. Key areas of specialization include real estate, land use, litigation, trusts and estates, agribusiness, employment law, and business and finance. Fennemore leverages advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to enhance service delivery and efficiency. The firm's primary markets encompass a diverse range of industries, including technology, agriculture, and healthcare.

Financials and Funding

Fennemore has demonstrated remarkable financial growth in recent years. In 2022, the firm posted a 45% year-over-year revenue increase, the highest among all firms in The American Lawyer's 2023 Am Law 200 rankings. This growth outpaced the average increases of 2.7% to 4.1% among Am Law 100 and 200 firms, respectively. The firm's revenue growth is attributed to strategic expansions and a commitment to innovation.

Pipeline Development

Fennemore has expanded its service offerings through strategic combinations with other law firms. Notable developments include:

2022: Combined with Wendel Rosen LLP, enhancing expertise in real estate, land use, litigation, and trusts and estates.

2023: Merged with Sullivan McGregor & Doerr LLP, strengthening taxation, trusts and estates, business, and water and agriculture practices.

2024: Integrated approximately 50 lawyers from Denver's Moye White, expanding commercial transactions, real estate, and litigation capabilities.

These strategic moves have broadened Fennemore's service portfolio and geographic reach.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Fennemore distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to technological innovation:

Fennemore Labs: An R&D platform that incubates ideas for new ventures, legal services, and business lines, focusing on ethical practices and social responsibilities in tandem with emerging technologies like AI.

Project BlueWave AI: A significant investment aimed at reshaping legal practice by harnessing artificial intelligence to reimagine workflows and enhance client value.

Venture Accelerator: Provides technology start-ups and emerging businesses with access to sophisticated legal counsel and guidance.

These initiatives underscore Fennemore's dedication to integrating cutting-edge technologies into its practice.

Leadership Team

Fennemore's leadership comprises experienced professionals committed to the firm's mission:

James Goodnow: CEO and Managing Partner. Became the youngest known CEO of a major U.S. law firm at age 37. Leads the firm's strategic growth and innovation initiatives.

Leigh W. Burnside: Chair of the Board of Directors and Fresno Office Managing Partner. Oversees external relations and strategic growth.

Leslie Bryan Hart: Management Committee Member based in Reno. Contributes to business strategy and firm operations.

Steven J. Cramer: Management Committee Member from Oakland. Plays a key role in implementing new firm initiatives.

Richard Dreitzer: Management Committee Member and Las Vegas Office Managing Partner. Focuses on firm operations and strategic planning.

John M. McHugh: Management Committee Member based in Denver. Engages in business strategy and firm operations.

Daniel Rapaport: Management Committee Member from Oakland. Serves as a special advisor on the management committee.

Stacie K. Smith: Management Committee Member and Phoenix Office Managing Partner. Involved in firm operations and strategic initiatives.

Shannon D. Sweeney: Management Committee Member from San Diego. Participates in business strategy and firm operations.

This leadership team drives Fennemore's commitment to innovation, client service, and strategic growth.

Leadership Changes

In recent years, Fennemore has experienced significant leadership developments:

2022: Daniel Rapaport, former managing partner of Wendel Rosen LLP, joined Fennemore's management committee as a special advisor following the firms' combination.

2023: Leigh W. Burnside assumed the role of Chair of the Board of Directors, focusing on external relations and strategic growth.

These changes reflect Fennemore's strategic focus on growth and innovation.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The legal industry is experiencing significant transformations, with firms increasingly adopting technology to enhance service delivery. The market is characterized by consolidation, as firms seek to expand their geographic reach and service offerings. Fennemore's strategic expansions and technological initiatives position it competitively within this evolving landscape.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

Holland & Hart LLP: A Denver-based firm with a strong presence in the Western U.S., offering services in various practice areas.

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP: Also headquartered in Denver, this firm specializes in business law and government relations.

Sherman & Howard LLC: A regional firm providing legal services across multiple industries.

These firms, like Fennemore, are expanding their footprints and integrating technology to meet client demands.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Fennemore has engaged in several strategic collaborations to strengthen its market position:

2022: Combined with Wendel Rosen LLP, enhancing expertise in real estate, land use, litigation, and trusts and estates.

2023: Merged with Sullivan McGregor & Doerr LLP, strengthening taxation, trusts and estates, business, and water and agriculture practices.

2024: Integrated approximately 50 lawyers from Denver's Moye White, expanding commercial transactions, real estate, and litigation capabilities.

These partnerships have expanded Fennemore's service offerings and geographic reach.

Operational Insights

Fennemore's strategic considerations include:

Geographic Expansion: Targeting key growth areas such as Denver and California to enhance market presence.

Technological Integration: Implementing AI and other technologies to improve efficiency and client service.

Talent Acquisition: Attracting top legal professionals through innovative programs like Fennemore Forward, which offers flexible remote work options.

These strategies position Fennemore as a forward-thinking leader in the legal industry.