Uncommon value and an entrepreneurial spirit. They have been a part of our firm’s history since the beginning. The firm was founded on unwavering quality, and its growth is built on a strong work ethic and spirit of entrepreneurism. Our philosophy has always been to grow not just for growth’s sake, but to add lawyers to our team who can provide value-driven solutions to our clients. 

Barnes & Thornburg is the product of a 1982 statewide merger between two well-established Indiana firms, one in Indianapolis, the other in South Bend. The marriage of Indianapolis-based Barnes, Hickam, Pantzer & Boyd and South Bend-based Thornburg, McGill, Deahl, Harman, Carey & Murray formed one of the largest firms in the Midwest and launched the firm’s growth. The firm followed that groundbreaking merger with the addition of labor and IP boutique firms to diversify and strengthen the practices. Then, its leaders built on these moves by geographic expansion – first to Washington, D.C., and Chicago, and then across the country.

Growth and Innovation, From NYC to California

The firm was built by innovators. Early on, its leaders paid attention to trends and perceived the need for innovative growth and services in growing fields like labor law, and intellectual property. The firm has accelerated that innovative growth over the past 15 years, adding offices across the country. This growth has expanded the firm’s depth and breadth of experience. 

Most recently, Barnes & Thornburg has opened new offices in an effort to continue to invest in its corporate, healthcare, intellectual property, litigation, and white collar practices. Our strategic growth has been driven not by legal rankings, but by client needs and market demands.

As we have grown, we have deliberately maintained a tight management approach, efficient cost structure and high level of client service in our offices across the U.S. Which means we have attracted well-regarded attorneys from large firms to our platform that utilizes a Midwest rate structure and allows top attorneys to practice without being priced out of doing what they enjoy most – serving their clients. Barnes & Thornburg’s management approach enables its attorneys to provide top-shelf legal services at a better value. At the heart of business.