Lippes Mathias today announced a strategic combination with Ward Damon Attorneys at Law, a nearly four-decade-old, full-service law firm based in West Palm Beach. Thirteen attorneys and 16 staff members will join Lippes Mathias’ now second office in Florida, elevating the full-service business law firm to more than 210 attorneys and nearly 400 total professionals across 16 offices nationwide. This is Lippes Mathias’ second large-scale combination in 2024 and its fourth since January 2023. 

By combining with Ward Damon, Lippes Mathias takes another strategic step in broadening its reach in Florida, where it has steadily built its presence since opening its Jacksonville office with just two attorneys in 2017. Seven years later, with the addition of its new South Florida footprint, the firm’s ranks now include more than 33 Florida-based attorneys. 

“We have been committed to building a strong foundation in Florida for several years, and this combination with Ward Damon allows us to enhance our capabilities in the region even further,” Kevin J. Cross, Lippes Mathias’ managing partner and chairman, said. “Their team shares our passion for exceptional client service and an intentional focus on culture, and together, we’re poised to continue to grow in South Florida.” 

Ward Damon is a multi-disciplined law firm that has provided highly effective legal counsel to businesses and individuals since 1987. The firm was established on the premise of providing sound legal guidance with exceptional attention to client service and always striving to exceed client expectations. 

"Joining Lippes Mathias is a natural fit for our firm,” Philip H. Ward, III, new Lippes Mathias partner and West Palm Beach office leader, said. “Lippes Mathias’ commitment to Florida is genuine, and partnering with this great team enables us to continue our longtime mission while benefiting from the resources and support of a growing, national law firm." 

Effective November 1, Lippes Mathias will assume Ward Damon’s office space at 4420 Beacon Circle in West Palm Beach. This new office will serve as a critical hub for the firm’s operations in South Florida, providing an expanded platform to deliver its services across the region. 

"Lippes Mathias is focused on sustainable, long-term growth, and this combination with Ward Damon highlights our strategy of expanding in markets like Palm Beach County, which is affectionately referred to by many as ‘Wall Street South,’” Brian J. Bocketti, Lippes Mathias partner and executive committee member, said. “With this new office, we see tremendous opportunity to join so many other businesses in putting down roots in one of the nation’s fastest-growing business markets with a team that has a long track record of legal and civic contributions to the community." 

Lighthouse Title Services, a title company owned and managed by Ward Damon that offers quality, reasonably priced settlement services for Florida real estate transactions, will also join Lippes Mathias as part of the combination. 

About Lippes Mathias LLP 

Lippes Mathias is a full-service law firm with more than 210 attorneys serving clients regionally, nationally, and internationally. With offices in Buffalo, Clarence, Albany, Long Island, New York, Rochester, Syracuse, and Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; Greater Toronto Area; Chicago, Ill.; Jacksonville and West Palm Beach, Fla.; Cleveland, Ohio; San Antonio, Texas; Oklahoma City, Okla. and Washington, D.C., the firm represents publicly and privately-owned companies, private equity and venture capital firms, real estate developers, financial institutions, municipalities, governmental entities, and individuals. 

Year after year, Lippes Mathias is proud to be recognized by The Best Lawyers in America®, U.S. News - Best Lawyers®, Super Lawyers, and Chambers USA. For more information, visit www.lippes.com.