Major Florida law firm with international reach merging with Dallas firm

TAMPA — Holland & Knight, one of the largest and premier law firms in Florida, is merging with Thompson & Knight in Dallas.

The directors of both firms have voted to approve the merger, which will be completed “on or about Aug. 1,” according to a statement.

The combined firm, which will operate as Holland & Knight, will have about 1,600 lawyers working out of 30 offices worldwide.

A spokeswoman for Holland & Knight said more details on what the new firm will look like will come out in August.

The firm was founded in 1968 when attorneys Spessard Holland and Peter O. Knight partnered up in Tampa.

Today, Holland & Knight employs about 1,400 attorneys working out of 27 offices worldwide. Its specialties include lobbying, commercial litigation and real estate.

The firm has a global operations center in Brandon employing about 320 people. The center houses Holland & Knight’s administration and support functions, including accounting, marketing, human resources, information technology and library and research services.

Dallas-based Thomson & Knight was founded in 1887. It employs 300 attorneys according to its website.