Bull Housser, one of B.C.’s most well respected law firms, has joined forces with a global law firm in a combination that will give the Vancouver-based firm and its clients worldwide reach.
In September, Bull Housser and Norton Rose Fulbright announced that the two firms would combine in an initiative that will propel the British Columbia firm into the global legal market.
Bull Housser, with its 126 years of history, has 92 lawyers at its Vancouver office. Norton Rose Fulbright is a fast-growing global firm that has established its Canadian presence in recent years with offices in Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City.
The result is a partnership that will allow Bull Housser to expand its service offerings for its B.C. clients and provide Norton Rose Fulbright and its global clientele with a trusted adviser in the province.
“Our respective clients want simplified access to our firm across Canada, the U.S. western seaboard and the Pacific Rim. This combination addresses their need for that and provides a Vancouver presence,” said Charles Hurdon, managing partner of Norton Rose Fulbright in Canada.
The two firms have complementary strengths, offering market leading capability in energy, mining, infrastructure, financial services, real estate, shipping, ports, life sciences, healthcare and technology.
Moreover, the combination will provide three key advantages for clients: innovative service offerings, improved efficiencies through advanced technology as well as access to leading legal advisors around the globe.
The combination follows a trend of consolidation in the industry in Canada, whereby global firms have formed partnerships with established Canadian firms.
“Through this combination our clients will now have seamless and timely access to first-rate legal support wherever they do business,” said Janet Grove, who is shifting from her former role as Bull Housser’s managing partner to become managing partner at Norton Rose Fulbright in Vancouver. As part of the combination, Bull Housser will retain its full range of legal services and lawyers in Vancouver.
Ranked as one of Western Canada’s leading regional law firms, Bull Housser’s lawyers and alumni have played an integral role in the development of B.C.’s economy and legal system, advising on some of the largest projects and transactions in the history of the province.
Across its various practices, the firm has played a key role in various developments that have shaped the city — from the revitalization of Coal Harbour and Lower Lonsdale to its role in helping to realize the unique private-public partnership that built the Canada Line.
Norton Rose Fulbright has more than 3,500 lawyers worldwide in more than 50 cities across Europe, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. The firm is consistently ranks in the top five in multiple categories by Acritas, Chambers Global, The Financial Post League Tables and was named Best Law Firm of 2016 by Best Lawyers.
“We have enjoyed good relationships with Norton Rose Fulbright over many years and believe that the firm reflects our approach to service and has a culture of diversity and excellence that is well-aligned with our own,” says Grove.
