McLaughlin & Stern Makes West Coast Leap, Acquiring SF Legal Team

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – February 09, 2026 – In a significant strategic move marking its first major expansion into the West Coast, historic New York law firm McLaughlin & Stern has officially established a presence in San Francisco. The 128-year-old firm launched its new office by integrating the entire legal team of Dillingham & Murphy, LLP, a highly regarded San Francisco litigation and employment law boutique. The combination became effective on February 2, 2026.

The new office, operating as McLaughlin & Stern – San Francisco, will continue to serve clients from the former Dillingham & Murphy location at 155 Sansome Street. This move provides the New York-based powerhouse with an immediate and deeply rooted foothold in the competitive Bay Area legal market, absorbing a team known for its decades of local experience and courtroom success.

A Strategic Anchor in a New Market

For McLaughlin & Stern, a firm established in 1898 with a distinguished history on the East Coast, the push into San Francisco represents a calculated geographic leap. While the firm has steadily grown beyond its Manhattan headquarters to include offices across New York, Connecticut, and Florida, this venture is its first into California. The move is consistent with an ongoing growth strategy that has recently included enhancing its Trusts and Estates and Bankruptcy practices, as well as expanding its regional footprint.

The decision to enter the market by acquiring an established local team, rather than building from the ground up, is a telling indicator of its strategy. It allows the firm to bypass the years of brand-building and networking typically required to gain traction in a new city. Instead, it instantly acquires a proven team with a sterling reputation and an existing client roster.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome Bill Murphy and his colleagues to McLaughlin & Stern," said Geoffrey Handler, Managing Partner of McLaughlin & Stern, in a statement. "Their reputation for excellence, particularly in litigation, and their deep roots in the San Francisco legal community make them a natural fit for our firm. We look forward to building on their legacy and continuing to serve clients at the highest level."

Integrating Decades of Local Expertise

The true value of the acquisition lies in the veteran talent joining the McLaughlin & Stern banner. The entire Dillingham & Murphy team, from partners to associates, has made the transition. The group is led by Bill Murphy, who co-founded his firm in 1982 and has become a fixture in the city's legal circles. Recognized by Super Lawyers as a "Top-Rated Employment and Labor Attorney" for more than a decade, Murphy is known for his extensive courtroom experience and his work as a mediator for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

He is joined by partners Carla Hartley, Dennis Kelly, and Tyrrell Prosser. Hartley is an employment law specialist who focuses on defending and advising employers on California’s notoriously complex labor laws, covering everything from wrongful termination and discrimination claims to wage-and-hour compliance. Her expertise also extends into the highly regulated healthcare sector. Dennis Kelly brings a robust civil litigation practice, with a focus on commercial disputes, professional liability defense, and matters involving financial institutions and professionals, often handling arbitrations before FINRA and other bodies. Tyrrell Prosser adds specialized expertise in commercial leasing.

Associate attorneys William P. Fuller, Adrienne Ou, and Matt Wu also join the new San Francisco office. The team’s collective strength in litigation and employment law will form the core of the new practice, ensuring continuity for their long-standing clients while providing a powerful new capability for McLaughlin & Stern on the West Coast.

Navigating a Competitive Landscape

McLaughlin & Stern enters a San Francisco legal market that is both dynamic and fiercely competitive, particularly in the practice areas of litigation and employment. The demand for sophisticated employment counsel is exceptionally high in California, where businesses face a unique and ever-changing web of state and local regulations. By absorbing a team that specializes in defending employers, the firm positions itself to immediately service a critical business need in the region.

The integration of the Dillingham & Murphy team gives the New York firm an immediate competitive advantage. They are not merely a new name in the market but the continuation of a trusted local practice, now backed by the resources and broader practice offerings of a national firm. Existing clients of the former boutique now gain access to McLaughlin & Stern's diverse expertise, which includes corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, real estate, and international law, among other areas.

To ensure a seamless transition, the firm has made a point of maintaining operational stability. The McLaughlin & Stern – San Francisco office will retain the 155 Sansome Street address and the existing phone number, a deliberate choice to minimize disruption and signal continuity to clients. This approach aligns with best practices for law firm integrations, where client retention and clear communication are paramount to success. For clients of the former Dillingham & Murphy, the primary change will be the name on the door and the expanded resources available to them through the national and international reach of their new firm.