Witherspoon Kelley acquires Yakima law firm

SPOKANE — Witherspoon Kelley, a full-service law firm based in Spokane, has acquired Lyon, Weigand & Gustafson, a Yakima firm that serves as trusted advisers and advocates to clients throughout central and eastern Washington.

The combined firms represent over two centuries serving clients and a diverse group of 48 attorneys in offices in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene and Yakima. LWG changed its name to Witherspoon Kelley when the transaction closed on Sept. 1.

LWG, founded in 1937, currently employs four attorneys and seven staff members, all of whom will join WK and remain working in the Yakima office. WK, founded in 1884, is headquartered in Spokane and now has nearly 100 employees with the merger.

WK’s acquisition of LWG was driven by an increased demand for professional full-service legal services throughout the region, and the firm’s growth strategy to expand into new markets and add more attorneys, according to Witherspoon Kelley President Christopher Varallo.

“The Inland Northwest and central Washington economies are growing, and the firm’s clients are growing along with them,” Varallo said. “As a firm, we recognize and honor our historic roots and we’re expanding our geographic reach to serve local clients in local communities. The Lyon firm and its attorneys are highly respected and by combining our teams it creates value for clients and positions us strongly for the future.”

Marcus Fry, Lyon, Weigand & Gustafson, principal, said the blended experience of the two firms will present greater expertise and scope of services for clients. “Many law firms of our size are specializing and becoming focused in niches,” Fry said. “This merger allows us to remain firmly grounded in our community and to serve our clients in new ways with a wealth of new resources.”

Fry emphasized that his team of attorneys and professionals will continue to work in the Yakima office. “We will remain active and supportive of our communities and we’re excited about our future,” he said.