Spencer Fane and Conner & Winters Announce Strategic Merger, Expanding into Arkansas

April 25, 2026 - 17:40

Kansas City, Mo.-based law firm Spencer Fane is set to merge with Tulsa, Okla.-based Conner & Winters LLP, a move that will significantly expand the firm’s geographic footprint and establish its first physical presence in Arkansas. The merger is scheduled to take effect on July 1.

The combination will unite two well-established legal practices, bringing together Spencer Fane’s broad national platform with Conner & Winters’ deep regional expertise in the mid-South. Conner & Winters, founded in 1937, has long been a prominent legal force in Oklahoma and Arkansas, with offices in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Fayetteville. The merger will add approximately 90 attorneys to Spencer Fane’s existing roster of more than 400 lawyers across 20 offices nationwide.

By integrating Conner & Winters, Spencer Fane will gain a strategic foothold in Arkansas, a state where it previously had no direct office. The Fayetteville location will serve as the firm’s gateway to the region, allowing it to better serve clients in areas such as corporate law, energy, litigation, and healthcare. Leaders from both firms have emphasized that the merger is driven by shared cultural values, including a commitment to client service, community involvement, and a collaborative work environment.

The transaction is expected to close without disruption to existing client relationships, and both firms have pledged a seamless transition. The combined entity will operate under the Spencer Fane name, with Conner & Winters attorneys joining as partners and associates. This merger reflects a broader trend of consolidation in the legal industry, as mid-sized firms seek to enhance their competitive edge through scale and geographic diversification.