Philadelphia’s Duane Morris is to merge with San Francisco firm Hancock Rothert & Bunshoft to bolster its Californian litigation and insurance presence.

The merger, which was announced on 12 October, will be effective from 1 January 2006 and the combined firm will practice as Duane Morris. The acquisition of the 75-lawyer insurance specialist will treble Duane Morris’ San Francisco arm, creating a 600-lawyer practice.