In a significant development for the U.S. legal sector, Cozen O’Connor, a prominent law firm based in Philadelphia, announced on November 3, 2025, that it is merging with Moss & Barnett, a well-established firm headquartered in Minneapolis. The merger is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, and will bring more than 50 attorneys from Moss & Barnett into Cozen’s growing national platform, substantially increasing the firm’s footprint in the Midwest.
This strategic move represents a deliberate effort by Cozen O’Connor to expand its geographic presence and bolster its capabilities in key practice areas. With the addition of Moss & Barnett’s attorneys and its office in Minneapolis, Cozen O’Connor will increase its attorney count to over 1,000, spread across more than 30 offices nationwide. The Minneapolis office alone will become one of the firm’s largest, with over 70 attorneys once the integration is complete.
Founded in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has grown into a full-service law firm known for its strengths in litigation, business law, and government practices. The decision to merge with Moss & Barnett is part of a long-term growth strategy aimed at serving the firm’s clients with more extensive regional capabilities, especially in areas such as real estate finance, trusts and estates, energy and utilities, and corporate transactions. Moss & Barnett, which has been a legal fixture in Minnesota since 1892, brings deep experience and strong ties to the business community in the upper Midwest.
Cozen O’Connor’s chairman and CEO, Michael Heller, emphasized that Minneapolis is a vital legal and business hub, home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and a thriving middle-market economy. He noted that the merger would position the firm to better meet the needs of existing clients while also expanding its ability to attract new business in the region. According to Heller, the goal is not only to expand geographically but also to integrate high-quality legal talent capable of supporting complex, multi-jurisdictional matters.
Moss & Barnett’s CEO and president, Brian Grogan, expressed optimism about the merger, saying that the firm’s partners unanimously approved the decision. Grogan acknowledged that while joining a larger national firm requires adjustment, the benefits of the merger—including enhanced resources, technology, and practice reach—made the decision clear. He added that the merger aligns with the firm’s long-term vision of delivering sophisticated legal services with broader capabilities.
The structure of the deal is designed to retain key personnel and preserve the local leadership of Moss & Barnett. Cozen O’Connor has pledged to maintain the existing leadership team at the Minneapolis office, ensuring continuity in management and client service. Retention incentives are also being offered to attorneys, and efforts are underway to ensure that both firm cultures are blended successfully.
This merger is part of a broader trend in the legal industry where firms are consolidating to build national platforms. With client demands evolving and legal services becoming more complex, law firms are increasingly seeking growth through mergers that provide both geographic reach and practice area depth. These mergers offer economies of scale, increased access to top legal talent, and the ability to service clients across multiple jurisdictions without compromising on quality or cost efficiency.
For attorneys, especially younger ones, the merger opens up new career development opportunities. The expanded platform means greater exposure to national clients and cross-office collaborations. Attorneys based in Minneapolis will now have access to cases and matters that span the country, as well as increased opportunities for secondments, leadership development, and mentorship within a larger organizational structure.
Clients of both firms are also expected to benefit from the merger. With Cozen O’Connor’s national resources and Moss & Barnett’s regional expertise, clients will gain access to a broader array of legal services under one roof. This integration is particularly beneficial for clients with operations in multiple states or those involved in complex regulatory environments.
The legal community is watching this merger closely, as it reflects the changing landscape of law firm growth strategies. In an era when boutique and mid-sized firms are grappling with rising operational costs and client expectations for broader service offerings, joining forces with larger national firms has become an increasingly attractive option. The Cozen-Moss merger may serve as a model for future combinations, especially in markets like the Midwest where regional firms play a critical role in the legal ecosystem.
As the merger progresses toward completion, both firms are focusing on integration planning. Key areas of focus include aligning client service models, streamlining administrative functions, and ensuring cultural compatibility. Early indications suggest that the two firms share similar values and a commitment to high-quality legal work, which bodes well for a smooth transition.
With this merger, Cozen O’Connor not only strengthens its position as a national legal powerhouse but also signals its intent to be a key player in the increasingly competitive and consolidated legal market. The move is expected to fuel further mergers and acquisitions in the legal industry, particularly as firms look for new ways to stay competitive, scale operations, and deliver exceptional value to their clients.
For now, attorneys and clients in the Midwest can expect a significant shift in the legal services landscape, as one of the region’s most respected firms becomes part of a broader, more resource-rich national organization.
