Freeman Mathis & Gary has sharply boosted its California presence through a combination with Gilbert, Kelly, Crowley & Jennett, a Los Angeles-based litigation defense firm with roots in four big legal markets: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and San Diego.

The deal gives Freeman Mathis offices in San Diego and Sacramento and expands the Atlanta-based firm's Los Angeles and San Francisco operations.

“This fills out our California footprint in the four biggest markets,” said Ben Mathis, Freeman Mathis' managing partner. “Once you've got the footprint and have the business, you need to be in all four areas or you're segmenting up your work in the state. Most clients look at it as doing work for them throughout the state.”