Williams Mullen and Maupin Taylor Announce Intent to Merge

Williams Mullen, Virginia’s third largest law firm, and Maupin Taylor, P.A., North Carolina’s oldest law firm, today announced they have signed a letter of intent to combine the firms. The resulting firm will be one of the largest in the Southeast with 300 attorneys and will have expanded capabilities to serve clients in both states as well as in federally regulated and cross-border transactions.

“We are excited about this growth opportunity,” said Joey Smith, chairman and CEO of Williams Mullen. “The combined firm will provide our clients with access to additional resources while maintaining the same high quality of service each of our firms is known for.”

The two firms will be working diligently with existing clients over the next few months to ensure a seamless transition.

“It is our responsibility as legal advisors to ensure that we have the appropriate resources to assist clients in their growth,” said Keith Kapp, Maupin Taylor’s managing partner. “Williams Mullen is a great fit for Maupin Taylor, and the depth they bring in legal experience will help enhance our capabilities and expand our services into new territory.”

As a result of the pending merger, the firm’s attorneys and staff will combine to total nearly 700 employees. The combined firm will operate offices in Raleigh, Research Triangle Park and Wilmington, N.C.; Charlottesville, Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond, Tysons Corner, Virginia Beach and Portsmouth, Va.; Washington, D.C.; and London.

Gateway Bank, a mutual client of both firms, said the merger will provide added service benefits.

“Companies want the best resources and capabilities when it comes to their outside counsel. You want the most equipped team possible.” said Ben Berry, chairman and CEO of Gateway Bank and Trust Co. “With this merger, both firms, who already have vast synergies, can enhance their resources and expand practices. Joining forces will only strengthen their service.”

The name of the firm will be Williams Mullen, although North Carolina offices will operate under the name Williams Mullen Maupin Taylor for a transition period. Joey Smith will continue as chairman and CEO of the merged entity.

Both are full-service law firms providing legal advice in areas such as labor and employment, corporate finance and securities, litigation, tax, government relations and more for clients in industries such as financial services, health care, transportation, technology, insurance and real estate and development. Williams Mullen and Maupin Taylor attorneys have also served as state and local judges, state legislators, as well as Virginia and North Carolina Bar Association officials.

In addition to their similar practice areas, Williams Mullen and Maupin Taylor share a history of strong community involvement. Attorneys at each firm are encouraged to serve their communities, beyond the practice of law. Both firms participate in their area United Way campaigns and support numerous business and community organizations. Williams Mullen attorneys and staff hold leadership positions on the boards and committees of a wide array of non-profit organizations and colleges and universities. They also maintain their own funding entity, the Williams Mullen Charitable Foundation.

Final details of the merger are still being confirmed, but it is scheduled to close March 1.

Carden Jennings Publishing Announces Acquisition

Carden Jennings Publishing Co., Ltd., publishers of The Charlottesville Guide and albemarle magazine, today announced that it has acquired The Lynchburg Guide and The Lynchburg Apartment and Senior Housing Guide from JLB Publishing, Inc., of Lynchburg, Virginia.

The Lynchburg Guide is a quarterly tourist, visitor, and newcomer guide. The Apartment and Senior Housing Guide is a semi-annual guide to rental housing opportunities, including apartments, town homes, condos, duplexes, and assisted living and retirement communities. Both publications serve Lynchburg and surrounding localities including Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, Appomattox, and Smith Mountain Lake.

“This acquisition fits perfectly into our strategic plan of linking visitors, tourists, and newcomers with the businesses, places to live and stay, and events and attractions of an area through a network of comprehensive, high-quality publications both in print and on the Internet. Lynchburg is growing leaps and bounds, and we look forward to being a part of that growth for years to come,” said David Ern, CEO of Carden Jennings Publishing Co., Ltd.

“The Charlottesville Guide has thrived in Central Virginia for over 22 years. We are proud of how well this publication drives business to our advertisers and serves the consumers in our community. The Lynchburg publications are strong assets for us to own as we continue to put businesses and consumers in touch throughout Virginia,” said Ken Massey, Jr., Publisher of The Charlottesville Guide.

Carden Jennings Publishing Co., Ltd., headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, was founded in 1985. It operates three strategic divisions: Custom Publishing, Medical Communications, and Lifestyle Publishing.

Dirickson Joins Blue Ridge Area Food Bank

William C. Dirickson recently joined The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Network (BRAFBN) as their Chief Development Officer. In his new position, he plans to raise the current level of support for the regional non-profit by developing new strategies to heighten awareness and ultimately increase financial contributions for the organization. The BRAFBN serves a large geographic area of over 12,000 square miles in central and western Virginia.

Dirickson recently retired with over thirty-five years in the banking industry. He was a Senior Vice President for Suntrust Bank, Commercial Division. He worked in the Charlottesville office where he managed commercial relationships.

Dirickson served on the Board of Directors of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Network from 2000 through October, 2006, when he accepted the staff position in Verona. He currently serves as Commission Chair of the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport Commission. He also served as secretary and finance committee member on the JAUNT Board in Charlottesville from 2000 to 2005.

Mr. Dirickson is married to Della Haden Dirickson and has two grown children.