Firm History

Nixon Peabody LLP is a full-service, international law firm with a distinguished history. The firm, which has been recognized each year since 2002 as a “Global 100” firm—one of the largest in the world, was formed through the merger of three prestigious law firms with broad-based practices and extensive portfolios. Nixon Peabody was united not only by name, but by common values: a collegial, team approach to conducting business; an emphasis on delivering high-quality service; and a desire to exceed client expectations. The firms that came together to form Nixon Peabody were founded more than a century ago, and many of our most significant business relationships have endured throughout the years. We are proud of our history. We believe that it reflects remarkable stability, as well as skill in delivering innovative yet practical legal solutions to a diverse array of clients.

Nixon, Hargrave, Devans & Doyle LLP opened for business in 1875 in Rochester, New York. The firm played an important role in Rochester’s development as a leading industrial center, by representing many of the city’s landmark businesses. Nixon Hargrave’s success on behalf of its clients built its reputation as a top corporate law firm focusing on business, finance, and litigation. Over the years, the firm evolved from a regional player into a nationally prominent law firm with the resources and talent to attract clients worldwide.

Peabody & Brown was founded nearly 150 years ago in Boston and first distinguished itself as an innovative business, financial services, and real estate law firm. When high-tech emerged as a growth industry along the Route 128 corridor in Massachusetts, Peabody & Brown recognized its importance and was soon doing cutting-edge work as an emerging growth firm. Peabody & Brown represented some of the first Internet service providers and Web designers, and made critical contributions to business law and the application of new technology.

San Francisco’s Lillick & Charles LLP opened its doors in 1897. The firm developed a strong base of international clients in Asia and Europe, and played a prominent role as advisor to many California businesses. In its formative years, Lillick recognized the importance of commerce with Pacific Rim countries and began representing financial interests and maritime clients based or doing business in Asia. Over the years, Lillick’s practice grew to include some of the leading transportation, financial, insurance, and industrial companies in the world.

In recent years, Nixon Peabody has continued to grow to serve the needs of our clients, both in the United States and abroad. Nixon Peabody opened its first international office in 2007 with the launch of our office in London, United Kingdom. In early 2008, we expanded our global footprint by adding our office in Shanghai, China. Later that same year, the firm became affiliated with a group of lawyers now operating under the Nixon Peabody brand in Paris, France, establishing a gateway for our clients in continental Europe.

From our early days in Rochester, Boston, and San Francisco to our current presence on the worldwide stage, our successful evolution derives from our commitment to delivering extraordinary client service—all the time. This commitment, in addition to our adherence to high ethical standards and collegiality in the workplace, has earned us accolades from our clients, our people, and the business community at large. Nixon Peabody was recognized by FORTUNE magazine as one of its “100 Best Companies To Work For®” in 2006, 2007, and 2008. The firm has also been named to the Human Rights Campaign’s 2008 “Best Places To Work For GLBT Equality” list. Nixon Peabody has achieved both national and international prominence and has the resources, talent, and reputation to serve clients worldwide.

Our Values Recognition Diversity Pro Bono Innovation Project Management Outreach History Firm Brochures Contact Us	Firm History Nixon Peabody LLP is a full-service, international law firm with a distinguished history. The firm, which has been recognized each year since 2002 as a “Global 100” firm—one of the largest in the world, was formed through the merger of three prestigious law firms with broad-based practices and extensive portfolios. Nixon Peabody was united not only by name, but by common values: a collegial, team approach to conducting business; an emphasis on delivering high-quality service; and a desire to exceed client expectations. The firms that came together to form Nixon Peabody were founded more than a century ago, and many of our most significant business relationships have endured throughout the years. We are proud of our history. We believe that it reflects remarkable stability, as well as skill in delivering innovative yet practical legal solutions to a diverse array of clients. Nixon, Hargrave, Devans & Doyle LLP opened for business in 1875 in Rochester, New York. The firm played an important role in Rochester’s development as a leading industrial center, by representing many of the city’s landmark businesses. Nixon Hargrave’s success on behalf of its clients built its reputation as a top corporate law firm focusing on business, finance, and litigation. Over the years, the firm evolved from a regional player into a nationally prominent law firm with the resources and talent to attract clients worldwide. Peabody & Brown was founded nearly 150 years ago in Boston and first distinguished itself as an innovative business, financial services, and real estate law firm. When high-tech emerged as a growth industry along the Route 128 corridor in Massachusetts, Peabody & Brown recognized its importance and was soon doing cutting-edge work as an emerging growth firm. Peabody & Brown represented some of the first Internet service providers and Web designers, and made critical contributions to business law and the application of new technology. San Francisco’s Lillick & Charles LLP opened its doors in 1897. The firm developed a strong base of international clients in Asia and Europe, and played a prominent role as advisor to many California businesses. In its formative years, Lillick recognized the importance of commerce with Pacific Rim countries and began representing financial interests and maritime clients based or doing business in Asia. Over the years, Lillick’s practice grew to include some of the leading transportation, financial, insurance, and industrial companies in the world. In recent years, Nixon Peabody has continued to grow to serve the needs of our clients, both in the United States and abroad. Nixon Peabody opened its first international office in 2007 with the launch of our office in London, United Kingdom. In early 2008, we expanded our global footprint by adding our office in Shanghai, China. Later that same year, the firm became affiliated with a group of lawyers now operating under the Nixon Peabody brand in Paris, France, establishing a gateway for our clients in continental Europe. From our early days in Rochester, Boston, and San Francisco to our current presence on the worldwide stage, our successful evolution derives from our commitment to delivering extraordinary client service—all the time. This commitment, in addition to our adherence to high ethical standards and collegiality in the workplace, has earned us accolades from our clients, our people, and the business community at large. Nixon Peabody was recognized by FORTUNE magazine as one of its “100 Best Companies To Work For®” in 2006, 2007, and 2008. The firm has also been named to the Human Rights Campaign’s 2008 “Best Places To Work For GLBT Equality” list. Nixon Peabody has achieved both national and international prominence and has the resources, talent, and reputation to serve clients worldwide.	One Step Ahead »
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