Foley & Lardner LLP

Overview

Foley & Lardner LLP, commonly known as Foley, is a prominent international law firm headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Established in 1842, it is recognized for its comprehensive legal services across diverse industry sectors including energy, healthcare, life sciences, innovative technology, and manufacturing. The firm, founded by George H. Noyes, Asahel Finch, and others, has advanced significantly over the years with a robust global presence. As of 2024, the firm's revenue was reported at $1.28 billion, showcasing its economic strength and influence in the legal domain.

Recent Developments

  • May 2025: Foley & Lardner represented FARO Technologies in its $920 million acquisition by AMETEK, showcasing the firm's leadership in significant M&A activities [1].
  • April 2025: The firm opened its 27th office in Nashville, further expanding its reach within the United States and supporting its strategy in the health care and life sciences sectors [2].
  • March 2025: Foley was recognized as a top-performing law firm for retail, emphasizing its expertise and notable presence in the fashion industry [3].
  • January 2024: The firm achieved a 9.2% revenue increase due to strong transactional practices, highlighting a robust year financially [4].
  • June 2024: Foley expanded its State Attorneys General Practice by hiring experienced practitioners, demonstrating an emphasis on enhancing its governmental interactions [5].

Company Information

AttributeInformation
Founding Date1842
HeadquartersMilwaukee, Wisconsin
FoundersGeorge H. Noyes, Asahel Finch
Revenue$1.28 billion (2024)
ProfitsUp by 10.9% in 2024
Key InvestorsNot Applicable (Partnership Structure)
IndustryLegal Services
Number of EmployeesApprox. 1,100 attorneys

Early History

Foley & Lardner LLP was originally founded in 1842 in Milwaukee as a small legal practice by George H. Noyes and Asahel Finch. Initially focused on serving local business and community interests, the firm quickly gained a reputation for legal excellence. This early commitment to quality service laid the foundation for rapid expansion, with the firm adopting its current name in 1969 following Leon Foley and Lynford Lardner's leadership. Strategic growth through acquisitions and mergers, notably with Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP in 2018, exemplified the firm’s pursuit of a broader geographical footprint, transforming into a national practice with a significant presence across major U.S. cities.

Company Profile and Achievements

Foley & Lardner LLP has carved out a significant niche within several key industries, thanks to its strategic blend of legal expertise and business acumen. Here are some of the major milestones and achievements:

  • Expansion: Significant geographical expansion, including the opening of offices in Raleigh and Nashville, marks its growing influence in new markets [6].
  • M&A Transactions: Foley has participated in noteworthy mergers and acquisitions, demonstrating its prowess in complex legal tasks such as FARO Technologies' acquisition by AMETEK [1].
  • Revenue Growth: The firm reported a substantial 9.2% revenue boost in 2024, attributed to thriving transactional practices [4].
  • Rankings: Ranked 45th on The American Lawyer's AmLaw 100 list for gross revenue, underscoring its status as a leading U.S. law firm [7].
  • Innovative Practices: Foley's focus on innovative sectors such as health care and life sciences has positioned it ahead of emerging legal trends, adapting to the evolving needs of its client base.

Current Operations and Market Position

Foley & Lardner LLP currently operates 27 offices worldwide, offering multidimensional legal services across various sectors such as energy, healthcare, and finance. The firm's robust M&A and banking practices have enabled it to maintain a competitive edge in the legal services market, with recent notable transactions in the technology and life sciences domains. As a trusted advisor to clients, Foley provides both strategic legal counsel and practical business solutions, further solidifying its reputation as a comprehensive service provider. The firm continues to leverage its industry expertise for sustained growth and innovation in a competitive marketplace.

Conclusion

Foley & Lardner LLP stands as a testament to the power of strategic growth, adaptability, and robust industry knowledge. With a history dating back over 180 years, the firm has evolved to meet modern challenges while capitalizing on opportunities in evolving markets. As Foley continues to strengthen its position through strategic office expansions and enhanced service offerings, it remains a key player in the legal industry, poised for further success and influence in the years to come.

References

  1. Foley & Lardner Represents FARO Technologies
  2. Foley Opens Nashville Office
  3. Foley Named Top Law Firm for Retail
  4. Strong Financial Performance
  5. Expansion in State Attorneys General Practice
  6. Foley's Office Expansion
  7. Foley Ranks on AmLaw 100