Spencer Fane Gobbles Up DC Boutique Focused on IP Litigation

Spencer Fane LLP is merging with intellectual property boutique Global IP Counselors, the firms confirmed Friday.

More than a dozen patent and trademark attorneys from Global IP Counselors are joining Spencer Fane’s intellectual property practice group in its Washington DC office.

“We are excited to join Spencer Fane and become part of a platform that shares our commitment to client service and innovation both in terms of practicing law as well as creating a collaborative environment that leads to creative outcomes for clients,” Michael Murphy, managing partner of Global IP Counselors, said in a statement.

Kansas City, Missouri-founded Spencer Fane has been on the move, combining with law firms across the country over the past few years to expand its geographic reach. It took on 50-lawyer Golenbock Eiseman Assor Bell & Peskoe in New York last month. Last year, the firm went to Utah and New Mexico, and grew its presence in Las Vegas in a combination with Holley Driggs.

Spencer Fane brought in more than $321 million in revenue, and partner profits weighed in at $764,000, in 2024, according to figures reported by the American Lawyer. The firm has more than 600 attorneys across 30 offices nationwide including in Dallas and Tampa.

“Our strategy as a firm is not about chasing growth—our growth is simply an outcome of clients and talent opting for our unique values and value proposition,” Spencer Fane Chair Patrick Whalen said in a statement.