2024Law

Polsinelli ← Holland & Knight

47 Lawyers Move to Polsinelli in One of the Biggest Law Firm Hires of the Year

A rocket ship firm adds 30 partners and launches a Philadelphia office in a single strategic move

Deal Value

47 lawyers

Team Size

30 partners + 17 associates/counsel

Industry

Law

In August 2024, Polsinelli confirmed that 47 lawyers joined the firm from Holland & Knight, including 30 partners. The move launched Polsinelli's Philadelphia office and nearly halved Holland & Knight's presence in the city. Reuters called it "one of the biggest mass law firm hires of the year."

Background

Polsinelli had been on an aggressive growth trajectory, having grown revenue nearly 165% over 10 years to $856 million in 2023.

The firm had already opened offices in Fort Worth, Texas and Park City, Utah earlier in 2024, demonstrating appetite for expansion.

Holland & Knight had a significant Philadelphia presence, but key partners were exploring opportunities for greater autonomy and growth.

Legal recruiter Gary Miles, who brokered the move, described Polsinelli as "a rocket ship right now."

The Move

In August 2024, Polsinelli announced that 47 lawyers were joining from Holland & Knight: 30 partners, one counsel, and 16 associates.

The move launched Polsinelli's Philadelphia office—the firm's third new city in 2024.

John Martini, Holland & Knight's former Philadelphia office leader who also led its tax, benefits and executive compensation group, took similar roles at Polsinelli.

Additional partners came from Holland & Knight offices in Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, and New York.

Key Players

John Martini

Holland & Knight Philadelphia Leader → Polsinelli Philadelphia Leader

Led Holland & Knight's Philadelphia office and its tax, benefits and executive compensation group. Now serves in similar roles at Polsinelli.

Chase Simmons

Polsinelli Chief Executive

Led the firm's aggressive growth strategy, expecting record performance in 2024.

Gary Miles

Legal Recruiter

Brokered the landmark move, calling Polsinelli "a rocket ship right now."

Why It Worked

•Polsinelli offered growth opportunity and autonomy that a larger, more established firm couldn't match.
•The firm's track record of 165% revenue growth over 10 years demonstrated a winning formula.
•Bringing the office leader (Martini) ensured continuity of client relationships and internal leadership.
•The multi-city scope of the hire showed Polsinelli could coordinate complex moves.

Challenges

•Integrating 47 lawyers from a different firm culture requires significant management attention.
•Holland & Knight lost nearly half its Philadelphia lawyers, creating pressure to rebuild.
•Polsinelli must deliver on the growth expectations that attracted these partners.

Outcome

•Polsinelli established instant presence in Philadelphia, its third new market of 2024.
•The firm demonstrated ability to execute landmark group hires, enhancing its reputation.
•Holland & Knight faced significant disruption in Philadelphia, needing to rebuild its practice.
•The move accelerated the trend of mid-sized firms challenging Am Law 100 giants through group hires.

Lessons for Other Liftouts

1.Growth-oriented firms can attract talent from larger competitors by offering opportunity over stability.
2.Bringing the office leader is crucial for maintaining client relationships and team cohesion.
3.A track record of growth and successful hires creates momentum that attracts more talent.
4.Geographic expansion through group hires is faster and less risky than organic growth.