International law firm Clark Hill has announced that it has combined with Phoenix law firm Ryley Carlock & Applewhite (“RCA”), a highly regarded business law firm serving the business community in Arizona and the Southwest. The RCA group consists of 18 lawyers and a team of support staff. RCA’s managing shareholder, James Brophy, has been named the member-in-charge of the Phoenix office, which will remain in RCA’s present location. Clark Hill also has an office in Scottsdale with 21 attorneys.
John Hensien, CEO of Clark Hill said, “RCA and Clark Hill share a similar culture and vision regarding client service, the practice of law, and community commitment. I’m excited to have Jim and his team combine their more than 70-year history and experience with Clark Hill’s strong brand.” Hensien continued, “Growth in Arizona and the Southwest region is an important part of Clark Hill’s overall strategy. This combination with such a highly respected firm provides additional access to clients and legal talent to further our goals in this market.”
Throughout its history, RCA has been regarded by clients for its corporate, banking and financial services, real estate, litigation, labor & employment, employee benefits, environment, water, energy and natural resources practices – all key areas of practice for Clark Hill. RCA’s clients include both large public and private companies that are engaged in mining and transportation, real estate development, municipal power and water activities, banking and insurance, ranching and farming, and include start-up ventures and entrepreneurial businesses.
“Clark Hill’s global platform and extensive resources will give us the opportunity to provide our clients with a broader array of capabilities and a deeper bench of talent in more locations,” Brophy said. “We are both client-first firms, with an intense focus on helping our clients solve their legal challenges and meet their business goals.”
RCA is also known for its eDiscovery & Managed Review practice and was one of the first in the country to create a dedicated practice group focusing solely on complex document review. RCA eDiscovery individuals who join Clark Hill will be part of Clark Hill’s Information Governance 360 business unit.
RCA has been consistently ranked by leading legal client and peer organizations, including Chambers USA in Corporate/M&A, Real Estate, and Environmental, Energy & Natural Resources.
RCA and Clark Hill share a long-established commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. RCA participates in the Diversity Legal Writing Program at Arizona State University and the University of Arizona, including sponsoring interns at the firm.
RCA also has a tradition of professional and civic leadership roles in organizations whose core purposes reflect diversity. Its lawyers have been pioneers in tribal economic development and serve on boards and in leadership positions of women and minority organizations. Similar to Clark Hill CARES, the pro-social community involvement effort supported across the firm, RCA supports its staff in diverse community efforts through its volunteer program, RCA Cares.
