Raleigh-based Maupin Taylor P.A., is merging with Virginia-based Williams Mullen in a move that will create a regional law firm with 300 attorneys.

"It's a good thing for us and a good thing for the region," says Keith Kapp, the managing partner at Maupin Taylor, a historic firm that was founded in 1870 and currently has 50 attorneys.
 
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. There will be no layoffs as a result of the combination, which has been in the works for a little less than a year.

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

The merger increases the geographic reach and client base for both firms. Maupin Taylor doesn't have an office outside North Carolina, while Williams Mullen has locations in Virginia, Washington, D.C. and London.

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. Julious Smith, the chairman and CEO of Williams Mullen, will continue as chairman and CEO of the merged entity.

The firm's attorneys and staff will combine to total nearly 700 employees.

"We're really excited," says Smith. "Coming down there is a great opportunity for us. We had looked at Raleigh for a long time."

Maupin Taylor claims to be the oldest law firm in North Carolina. Williams Mullen is Virginia's third largest law firm.

"Our clients are more and more involved in North Carolina," Smith says. "It helps us to be on the ground there."

Gary Joyner, the managing partner in the Raleigh office of Kilpatrick Stockton, thinks that the area will see similar moves in coming years as Raleigh continues to grow.