On February 1, 2025, Cox & Palmer’s St. John’s office will merge with independent firm Benson Buffett to create one of the largest law firms in Newfoundland and Labrador. With a combined 120 years of operations in the province, the move will allow the merged firm to strengthen its position in the local market and the scope of its full-service practice areas.

Founded in 1980, Benson Buffett is a local law firm mainly focused on business and civil litigation in St. John’s, N.L. Cox & Palmer’s roots in the province date back to the 1950s and its St. John’s team is supported by nine regional offices throughout the four Atlantic provinces. Representatives from both firms agree that merging was a perfect fit.

Anna Cook, KC, partner at Cox & Palmer, said the two firms have been discussing a potential merger for about a year and the idea came as a way to help retain talent. She explained that their firm has recently lost many senior lawyers; some have been appointed to the bench and others have moved on to work in-house for clients. In a way, it can be considered a good problem since it showcases the value of the firm’s talent. However, it left Cox & Palmer with a need for more senior lawyers to collaborate with its strong group of associates.

Echoing Cook’s thoughts, Katrina Gibbons, managing director of Benson Buffett, said their firm also sees value in making changes to retain talent. Given today’s new perspectives on work, both firms have increased workplace flexibility to provide employees with an improved work-life balance. But, Benson Buffett’s team has a sizeable age gap between its many senior lawyers in their 70s and its small group of younger associates.

With some of Benson Buffett’s senior partners looking for successors as they consider retirement and Cox & Palmer’s strong team of associates ready to learn from their expertise, the needs of each firm complement the other nicely. “It’s an opportunity to do things better and stronger together,” said Cook, explaining that both firms also have similar personalities and workplace cultures. Gibbons added that each firm’s practice areas will blend well together too. Benson Buffett has lawyers experienced in family law, criminal cases and intellectual property, which are some areas where Cox & Palmer has relied on its other regional offices for support. The change also allows Benson Buffett’s team to benefit from Cox & Palmer’s regional structure.

Although many details are still being worked out, it’s decided that the merged firm will operate under the Cox & Palmer name and Todd Stanley, KC, will remain the managing partner. However, all parties consider the change a merger, rather than an acquisition. No money will change hands and representatives from each firm will have a voice in management. “We’re approaching it as a coming together and building something better than the sum of its parts,” commented Anna. She also explained that Cox & Palmer’s regional team is just as excited about the growth opportunity for the firm as a whole.

Gibbons said clients can expect the same level of service from the merged firm. “We are confident that together we can achieve even greater success while continuing to provide the high standard of legal services our clients rely on.”

With Benson Buffett’s 15 lawyers joining Cox & Palmer’s 34, Cook said their combined team of 49 will make their firm the largest in the province in terms of size.

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