The Mandelbaum Barrett Barnum O’Mara merger marks a
significant expansion for Mandelbaum Barrett, as the New Jersey–based firm absorbs all attorneys and staff from the historic Connecticut firm Ivey, Barnum & O’Mara. The move brings 24 lawyers and support professionals into Mandelbaum Barrett’s growing platform, strengthening its reach across the Northeast legal market.
Founded in 1950, Ivey, Barnum & O’Mara has long been recognized as one of Greenwich, Connecticut’s oldest and most established law firms. Through this transition, the firm will cease operating independently, with its attorneys and staff fully integrating into Mandelbaum Barrett beginning January 1, 2026.
Strategic Growth Through the Mandelbaum Barrett Barnum O’Mara Merger
The Mandelbaum Barrett Barnum O’Mara merger reflects a
broader trend among regional law firms seeking scale, expanded resources, and operational efficiencies in an increasingly competitive legal environment. Rather than pursuing traditional mergers, Mandelbaum Barrett has focused on strategic team acquisitions that allow experienced attorneys to maintain continuity for clients while gaining access to a larger firm infrastructure.
Leadership at Ivey, Barnum & O’Mara cited the opportunity to
broaden legal capabilities and enhance client service as a key driver behind the decision. By joining Mandelbaum Barrett, the incoming attorneys gain access to expanded practice support, technology, and cross-practice collaboration.
Office Continuity and Market Expansion
As part of the Mandelbaum Barrett Barnum O’Mara merger, the former Ivey, Barnum & O’Mara offices in Greenwich and New Canaan will continue operating under the Mandelbaum Barrett name. This ensures stability for existing clients while preserving the firm’s long-standing presence in Connecticut.
The White Plains, New York office previously operated by Ivey, Barnum & O’Mara will be consolidated into Mandelbaum Barrett’s New York City location. This move aligns with Mandelbaum Barrett’s broader strategy of streamlining operations while maintaining strong coverage in key metropolitan markets.
Strengthening Practice Areas and Client Services
The attorneys joining Mandelbaum Barrett through the Barnum O’Mara merger bring experience across a wide range of practice areas, including corporate law, real estate, trusts and estates, litigation, and private client services. Their additio0.n enhances Mandelbaum Barrett’s ability to serve businesses, institutions, and high-net-worth individuals throughout the region.
With this expansion, Mandelbaum Barrett is on track to grow its attorney headcount to approximately 150 lawyers by 2026. The firm, which was founded in 1930 and is headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, continues to build momentum through targeted growth rather than large-scale combinations.
Reflecting Broader Legal Industry Trends
The Mandelbaum Barrett Barnum O’Mara merger highlights a
growing pattern in the legal industry, where
mid-sized firms seek to remain competitive by joining larger platforms without sacrificing client relationships or professional autonomy. For legacy firms like Ivey, Barnum & O’Mara, integration into a larger organization offers long-term stability amid rising costs, regulatory pressures, and evolving client expectations.
At the same time, Mandelbaum Barrett benefits from
acquiring seasoned attorneys with established client bases, allowing the firm to deepen its presence in Connecticut without starting from scratch.
Looking Ahead
As the legal profession continues to evolve, transactions like the Mandelbaum Barrett Barnum O’Mara merger demonstrate how firms are adapting to changing market conditions. By combining local strength with regional scale, Mandelbaum Barrett positions itself for continued growth while ensuring continuity for the clients and professionals joining its ranks.
The merger underscores Mandelbaum Barrett’s commitment to thoughtful expansion and reinforces its role as a growing force in the Northeast legal market.
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