Detroit-based international law firm Clark Hill today announced it has combined with the Phoenix-based Ryley Carlock & Applewhite (RCA) law firm, opening its second office in the greater Phoenix area at RCA’s former location. The office will be renamed under the Clark Hill brand.
RCA is a business law firm with 18 lawyers and a team of support staff serving the business community in Arizona and the Southwest. RCA Managing Shareholder James Brophy has been named the member-in-charge of the Phoenix office. Clark Hill also has an office in Scottsdale with 21 attorneys.
“RCA and Clark Hill share a similar culture and vision regarding client service, the practice of law, and community commitment,” says John Hensien, CEO of Clark Hill. “I’m excited to have Jim and his team combine their more than 70-year history and experience with Clark Hill’s strong brand.
“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 served clients in corporate, banking and financial services, real estate, litigation, labor and 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, as well as 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 says. “We are both client-first firms, with an intense focus on helping our clients solve their legal challenges and meet their business goals.”
RCA also is known for its eDiscovery and 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 and Clark Hill say they 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.
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