Firm History

The international reputation of McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP (MLA) in law and government affairs did not happen by chance, but rather, is a result of a 2002 merger of two noted and complementary firms, and the further addition of a number of strategic practices across the country.  MLA is continually evolving to better serve the needs of our clients, and today, MLA provides clients with a broad range of experience, geographic and professional diversity, and substantive legal and public policy counseling.

Founded in 1939, Washington, D.C.-based McKenna & Cuneo LLP achieved prominence in D.C. and California as a result of their reputation for client representation in heavily regulated industries and complex litigation, including public procurement and environmental law.  Government contracts law, as a distinct legal practice, originated and emerged to national prominence here at the firm.  With the merger, MLA became home to the original and largest such practice in the U.S.

Established in 1974, Atlanta-based Long Aldridge & Norman LLP became one of the fastest- growing law firms in the Southeast due in large part to the firm’s reputation for innovation and attention to the business goals of clients, many of which were large corporations, banks and real estate developers.  Its practice flourished in the traditional legal areas of mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions and general litigation.  In 2002, Long Aldridge & Norman LLP merged with McKenna & Cuneo LLP to form McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP. 

Since the merger, MLA has continued to grow key departments and bolster our presence across the country.  We stand today as a successful international firm with 475 attorneys and professionals in offices located in nine U.S. cities and Brussels, Belgium.  With a solid legal and policy foundation, deep historical perspective, and geographic reach, it’s not surprising that We See More.