Bricker Graydon, Wyatt Law Firms Announce Plans to Combine 

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.