Kilpatrick Stockton and Muldoon Murphy & Aguggia announcedtheir law firms have merged and the combined operation is namedKilpatrick Stockton.

Caroline Spangenberg, head of Kilpatrick Stockton's InsuranceCoverage Team, told National Underwriter in an e-mail, "KilpatrickStockton has an expansive policyholder practice which includescaptives and risk retention groups."

Muldoon Murphy & Aguggia also represents captives and riskretention groups. Arthur Perschetz, with Muldoon Murphy &Aguggia LLP, Washington, D.C., serves on the board of directors forthe Captive Insurance Council of the District of Columbia(CIC-DC).

Paul Aguggia, who served as Muldoon Murphy & Aguggiachairman, will head Kilpatrick Stockton's financial institutionsteam in its corporate department. Mr. Aguggia, with all 22attorneys and 13 staff members at Muldoon Murphy & Aguggia,will join Kilpatrick Stockton's Washington, D.C. office.

"It is clear that both firms share a combined focus ondelivering the high-quality service that our clients are accustomedto," Mr. Aguggia said. "Clients joining Kilpatrick Stockton fromMuldoon Murphy & Aguggia will have the benefit of extensiveresources and nearly 500 attorneys, including over 100 corporateattorneys." They offer services ranging from intellectual property,litigation, real estate, fund formation to employee benefits.

Bill Dorris, co-managing partner, Kilpatrick Stockton said,"Muldoon Murphy & Aguggia, a recognized leader in themarketplace for providing outstanding service to financialinstitutional clients across the country, will complementKilpatrick Stockton's overall range of services."

He noted that the "joining of forces is a win-win for KilpatrickStockton clients who will now have access to enhanced expertise inthe financial services arena, including increased depth incorporate transactional and securities experience."

Kilpatrick Stockton's Washington, D.C. office, which opened in1976, has approximately 60 attorneys following completion of themerger.