When does the merger take effect?
The partners of Walter Haverfield and Bernstein-Burkley have agreed to merge, effective February 1, 2026.
Will there be a new firm name and brand?
The combined firm will operate under the name WH Burkley. The WH Burkley brand, visual identity, and digital properties will evolve over time. We will provide regular updates as our teams align operations, processes, technology, and brand elements.
Who will lead the new firm?
Kirk Burkley has been elected Managing Partner of the firm. Over the coming months, attorneys and staff from both firms will assume key roles across the committees, practice groups, and offices of WH Burkley.
Why are the firms merging?
Walter Haverfield and Bernstein-Burkley share complementary strengths, similar cultures, and a unified strategic vision. This merger strengthens our capabilities in core practice areas, expands our geographic footprint, and positions us for long term, sustainable growth.
Walter Haverfield is a leading business-focused law firm located in Cleveland, Mayfield, and Columbus with core areas of competency in real estate, corporate transactions, commercial litigation, labor and employment, tax, and private wealth, as well as differentiated, sector-specific capabilities in cannabis, liquor control, and hospitality. Founded in 1932, the firm is continually recognized for providing sophisticated transactional and litigation guidance to publicly traded companies and privately held businesses, as well as financial institutions, private equity sponsors, executives, and high-net-worth individuals. www.walterhav.com
Bernstein-Burkley is a leading Pittsburgh-based law firm, with additional offices in Cleveland, Ohio, and Wheeling, West Virginia. Founded in 1967, the firm has built a local and national reputation for delivering strategic, results-driven counsel in complex bankruptcy and restructuring, creditors’ rights, corporate, litigation, real estate, and oil and gas matters. www.bernsteinlaw.com
Will there be any impact on current engagements?
There will be no disruption to active client engagements, points of contact, billing processes, or the quality of service you expect from us. We will communicate any updates in advance and ensure they are simple and seamless. Contact information, including email, phone, and mailing addresses will initially remain unchanged.
How are the firms addressing client conflicts?
We have teams from each firm actively addressing conflicts. All active matters have been addressed to ensure continuity of service. Where necessary, ethical walls or client consent will be arranged.
How many lawyers and offices will we have?
Our combined firm will include 70+ lawyers across offices in Ohio (Cleveland, Mayfield, Columbus), Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh), and West Virginia (Wheeling).
Will any office locations change?
All Bernstein-Burkley attorneys and staff based in Cleveland, Ohio will relocate to the current Walter Haverfield, Cleveland office. Otherwise, the existing offices of both firms will remain unchanged.
How will firm culture be addressed?
Culture is a core priority of WH Burkley. Leadership will create cross‑office opportunities, introduce shared norms and expectations, and ensure everyone has a chance to connect meaningfully. We are committed to creating a culture driven by collective ambitions, values, and the commitment to unparalleled client service.
What happens next?
If you are a client, we encourage you to speak with your relationship attorney/team about what the merger will mean for you.
WH Burkley is principally focused on the continued delivery of exceptional service to our clients while ensuring a seamless, transparent experience for our people.