Law Firms to Merge in Global Deal

Pillsbury Madison & Sutro, which has practiced law in San Francisco for 126 years, has agreed to merge with New York-based Winthrop Stimson Putnam & Roberts.

The merger, which must be approved by partners from both firms, creates a giant firm with 12 national offices and four abroad.

Pillsbury’s 596 lawyers spend much of their time on intellectual property law. Winthrop, which has 265 lawyers, specializes in utility, energy and aviation finance.

“Our vision is a firm with global resources that’s positioned to provide services to clients who are going global,” Pillsbury Managing Partner Marina Park said. “We wanted to be able to work in the high-end capital and finance markets, which really mandates a presence in New York.”

The combination will provide clients with one-stop shopping for legal services, Park said.

The new firm, to be called Pillsbury Winthrop, would be led by Chairwoman Mary Cranston, 53.

The deal is expected to be completed by the end of the year.