Barrett & Farahany Acquires Crone Law Team in Major Expansion

By James Walker

ATLANTA, GA – February 09, 2026 – In a significant strategic move that reshapes the employee rights legal sector, Atlanta-based Barrett & Farahany announced the integration of three key attorneys from The Crone Law Firm. The acquisition includes the respected firm's founder and CEO, Alan G. Crone, his son, attorney Patrick Crone, and attorney Alex Gass. This consolidation of talent is set to dramatically expand Barrett & Farahany's footprint across Tennessee, Missouri, and Arkansas, bolstering its already formidable national employment law practice.

The move signals a deliberate growth strategy by Barrett & Farahany, the Southeast's oldest law firm dedicated exclusively to representing employees. By absorbing the expertise and regional influence of The Crone Law Firm, the firm is not just adding headcount but acquiring a legacy of legal success and deep community ties, particularly in the Memphis area.

A Strategic Consolidation of Legal Prowess

For over three decades, Alan G. Crone has been a towering figure in employment law. As the founder of The Crone Law Firm, he cultivated a practice known for its thoughtful strategy and successful outcomes in complex litigation, business disputes, and employee advocacy. His career is distinguished by an AV Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell and multiple recognitions by Super Lawyers for his work in labor and employment law. His public service, including a term as Chief Counsel for the Tennessee Department of Employment Security, provides a depth of experience that is rare in the field.

The integration is seen by industry observers as a masterful stroke of talent acquisition. Barrett & Farahany is effectively merging its national platform and resources with the localized influence and sterling reputation of a regional leader.

"We are thrilled to welcome Alan Crone and his team to Barrett and Farahany," said managing partner Amanda Farahany in a statement. "His strategic vision, strong reputation, and commitment to protecting workers' rights align perfectly with our mission. As we grow our national practice, we remain focused on empowering employees and securing justice in the workplace."

The move represents a fusion of shared values, with both firms historically focused on championing the rights of individuals against powerful corporate interests. For Alan Crone, the decision to join forces was driven by the opportunity to leverage a larger, technologically advanced platform.

"I'm pleased and honored to be joining Barrett and Farahany and to help expand its reach into our community and throughout the region," Crone stated. He emphasized the national respect the firm commands due to its "sterling legal reputations and the outcomes it has consistently delivered for its clients."

Reshaping Regional Employment Law Landscapes

The expansion is poised to have a tangible impact on the legal markets in Tennessee, Missouri, and Arkansas. While Barrett & Farahany already had licensed attorneys in these states, the addition of the Crone team provides an established, on-the-ground presence that is critical for effective regional practice.

In Tennessee, Alan G. Crone's deep roots as a fifth-generation Memphian and his long history of practice in the state provide immediate and substantial credibility. This move positions Barrett & Farahany to compete directly with established defense firms like Baker Donelson and Ogletree Deakins on their home turf, offering a powerful new option for employees seeking representation.

The expansion into Missouri is being specifically spearheaded by Alex Gass, a graduate of Saint Louis University School of Law. His expertise in wage and hour disputes, class actions, and complex employment litigation aligns with key areas of demand in the state. His presence signals a dedicated effort to build a robust practice in a market where The Crone Law Firm had already begun making inroads.

Patrick Crone, a graduate of the University of Memphis law school, brings a unique, people-focused approach shaped by his prior career in journalism. His background is expected to enhance the firm's ability to connect with clients and articulate their stories, a crucial element in employment litigation. Together, the new team members create a multi-state force designed to challenge unfair labor practices across the Mid-South.

The Technological Edge in the Fight for Justice

A key factor motivating this union is Barrett & Farahany's aggressive adoption of legal technology. Alan G. Crone specifically cited the firm's "industry-leading use of technology and strong resources" as a primary reason for the move, believing it will enable his team to "better serve our clients and community."

This is not mere corporate jargon. In mid-2024, Barrett & Farahany made headlines by partnering with the legal AI platform Eve, embarking on a mission to become an "AI-native law firm." This initiative has already yielded dramatic results, with the firm reporting that AI has reduced the time spent on discovery responses from over 10 hours to less than 45 minutes. Attorneys have reported saving more than 20 hours per week, time that is now reallocated to client strategy and case development.

Beyond third-party AI, the firm has also developed a proprietary case management system designed to streamline workflows and ensure high-quality, consistent legal work across all its offices. This technological infrastructure allows the firm to handle a larger volume of cases with greater efficiency, maximizing outcomes for clients and making high-level legal representation more accessible.

By joining this tech-forward environment, the former Crone Law Firm attorneys gain access to tools that can amplify their legal skills, allowing them to take on more complex cases and manage discovery-heavy litigation more effectively than ever before. This fusion of seasoned legal expertise with cutting-edge technology creates a formidable combination, promising a new standard of representation for workers in the regions the firm serves. The move solidifies Barrett & Farahany's position not just as a regional leader, but as a national powerhouse shaping the future of employee rights litigation.