Blank Rome LLP and Healy & Baillie, LLP will combine their practices as of October 1, 2006. Healy & Baillie is ranked as one of the leading maritime law firms in the United States with a notable international practice and office in Hong Kong. The combined firm will house the nation’s largest Maritime practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Healy & Baillie to the Blank Rome family. Their depth of experience in international, maritime and admiralty law is unmatched and will be an excellent complement to our existing practice,” said Carl M. Buchholz, Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Blank Rome. Founded in 1948, Healy & Baillie is a leading provider of legal services to the maritime industry in New York, Hong Kong, New Jersey, and Connecticut.