Hunton to close McLean office

Hunton & Williams is moving a block of lawyers from its long-established Northern Virginia location to its office in Washington, with plans to close the McLean office next year.

The firm plans to combine its McLean and Washington offices in the fall of 2017, a firm spokesperson said in an email.

“Once the move is complete, we expect to have more than 275 lawyers and professional staff serving clients from our offices at 2200 Pennsylvania Avenue, where we occupy five floors,” the spokesperson said.

The firm’s website lists 23 lawyers now working at the 17^th floor office on Pinnacle Drive in Tysons.

A published report said the Richmond-based firm will move its insurance coverage practice group from Virginia to Washington.

“Our current space in Washington was designed for future growth, and combining our teams will allow for greater operating efficiencies as well as greater collaboration. The firm also plans to acquire conference space in Tysons in order to provide seamless service and support for our Northern Virginia-based clients and projects,” the spokesperson said.

Hunton’s McLean office opened in 1984.

The news of the office relocation came as reports surfaced that Hunton was in merger talks with a soon-to-be created London-based mega law firm.

A British legal publication said Hunton was considered as a possible partner with three British firms now planning to join forces.

The Hunton spokesperson said the firm had “no response” to an inquiry about the reported international merger discussions.