Merging two large law firms is a difficult task even in the best of times. The work only grows more challenging when it takes place in the middle of a global pandemic and economic recession.

That’s what Tom Froehle and Andrew Kassner have been doing over the past year as they brought together their predecessor firms to create Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath. As their first year co-chairing the combined firm came to a close, they spoke with The American Lawyer about building connections with clients, how the timing affected the merger and how to develop culture remotely. This conversation has been lightly edited for clarity.