Thelen Looks to Parcel Out Sections, Core Group May Stick Together

Dissolution has not been formally discussed, says a source familiar with the situation Niraj Chokshi and Petra Pasternak With a full-firm merger increasingly unlikely, Thelen has begun looking to other firms to pick up practices or offices, a current partner confirmed this week. Merger talks with Nixon Peabody ended several weeks ago, the partner and two other sources said. Nixon remains interested in taking on parts of Thelen, two sources familiar with the talks said. Other suitors for pieces include Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman and Alston & Bird, several sources said. Alston is talking to groups at Thelen and hopes to expand its IP, energy, commercial litigation and other practices in Northern California, an Alston lawyer confirmed. While Thelen is looking for firms willing to pick up various pieces, a core group may... [read full story]