Top 100 Firm Gallina LLP announced that it will merge with Seattle-based firm Merrill Carlson PLLC, effective July 1.

Merrill Carlson will operate under a new name, Gallina Merrill Carlson LLP, while MC founders Kirk Merrill and Eldon Carlson will join the Gallina partner group, along with Chris Carlson.

Gallina will move its current Seattle area office to Merrill Carlson's office, and Gallina senior manager Jin Rudolph will join the team at that office. In addition, Novato, Calif.-based Gallina partner Teresa Arrighi has been named regional managing partner of the Pacific Northwest Region, and a member of the firm's Executive Committee.

In speaking of the merger, Gallina managing partner Larry Taylor, said, "The business philosophies of the two firms are very similar. Both firms believe in developing close, and long-term, relationships with clients by providing specialized services focused on solving challenges and achieving business successes. Gallina is well-known as a leader in the West Coast with strong expertise in construction, while Merrill Carlson is respected within the Puget Sound region business community."

Merrill Carlson founding partner Eldon Carlson said, "The expanded firm provides the foundation for turbo-charging our growth in the construction and health care industries in the Puget Sound region."

Founding partner Kirk Merrill added, "The merger provides expanded career track opportunities for our local team, as well as access to the resources of a larger firm to provide additional expertise to our clients."