FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2025
CONTACT:
Bricker Graydon LLP: James J. Whelan / 513-629-2896 / jwhelan@brickergraydon.com
Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs LLP: Andrew Payton / 502-562-7160 / andrewpayton@wyattfirm.com
400 West Market Street, Suite 2000
Louisville, KY 40202
Main 502 589 5235
Fax 502 589 0309
100 South Third Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Main 614 227 2300
Fax 614 227 2390
Merger builds greater depth and expands firms’ complementary practices,
expands regional reach for both firms
Columbus, Ohio and Louisville, Kentucky — Bricker Graydon LLP and Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP,
two leading regional law firms with deep roots in Ohio and Kentucky, today announced their intent to
merge effective January 1, 2026. The combined firm, to be known as Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP, will
unite more than 325 attorneys across 14 offices in four states, creating one of the largest and most
comprehensive legal service providers in the region.
“This merger brings together two firms that share not only complementary practices, but also a deep
commitment to client service, collaboration, and community,” said Chris McCloskey, Managing Partner
of Bricker Graydon, who will remain in that role once the firms merge. “Combining our strengths will
expand the breadth and depth of resources available to our clients while maintaining the culture and
relationships that define who we are, and it positions us for long-term growth across the region.”
“Bricker Graydon and Wyatt share a deep commitment to client service and excellence in the practice
of law. We couldn’t be happier with this merger, what it means for our clients and our team, and how
it positions us for the future,” said Franklin Jelsma, Managing Partner of Wyatt. “This announcement is
the culmination of a great deal of hard work and strategic planning, all designed to improve the ability
of our firm to contribute to the success of our clients.”
Both firms considered it critical to find a merger partner committed to maintaining a positive culture
based on mutual respect and teamwork. Bricker Graydon and Wyatt have been fixtures in their
respective communities for generations, filling leadership roles in the business community, making
significant contributions in civic initiatives, and providing meaningful pro bono legal services. The
merger will broaden the firm’s product offerings in key industries such as real estate, health care,
energy, education, and construction, while strengthening existing capabilities in litigation, M&A, estate
planning, and complex public sector representations.
The combined firm will maintain all existing offices, spanning major markets including Cincinnati,
Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Lexington, Louisville, Nashville, Memphis, Southeast Ohio, and Southern
Indiana.
###
About Bricker Graydon LLP
Bricker Graydon is recognized by our clients as an indispensable partner, providing exceptional service.
With deep legal knowledge, and even deeper empathy, Bricker Graydon serves clients in a variety of
industries, in practically all areas of law, including Banking & Financial Services, Business Services,
Colleges & Universities, Education (Pre-K to 12), Energy, Health Care, Insurance, Manufacturing, Real
Estate, and the Public Sector. Bricker Graydon serves clients across the nation from nine offices across
three states, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. For additional information, please visit brickergraydon.
com.
About Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP
Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP maintains an active national practice with five offices located in Louisville
and Lexington, Kentucky Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee, and New Albany, Indiana. The firm’s
structure and industry-focused practice groups enable efficient and effective delivery of legal services.
Wyatt accomplishes its clients’ goals and objectives by committing itself each day to the principle of
“Your Success Defines Us.” Wyatt is a founding participant firm in AdvanceLaw. For more information
about the legal counsel Wyatt provides and its commitment to client service, visit wyattfirm.com.