Touchstone Closing has merged with Cherry Tree Legal, bringing attorney partners Brendan Ward and Daniel Cahill and their team to the firm.

Cherry Tree attorneys Nancy Theodore, Jacob Simon, Lori Ballantine and Ray Doucette also joined Touchstone, which noted it gained a new closing office in downtown Lynn. 

“This strategic merger not only bolsters Touchstone’s North Shore presence and real estate closing business but also enhances its Touchstone Law division by adding four new attorneys to the roster,” according to a statement. 

Theodore will support the Touchstone Closing side of the business, while Simon, Ballantine and Doucette will contribute to Touchstone Law Offices. 

Ward brings his extensive experience in estate planning for families with young children, next-generation leaders and same-sex couples to the firm, along with his comprehensive knowledge of probate practice, asset protection and real estate conveyancing. 

A Nahant resident, Ward is deeply involved in the North Shore community and serves in multiple leadership positions, including as a board member for the Lynn Boys and Girls Club and the Essex County Community Foundation.

“We immediately felt a synergy with Touchstone’s culture and cutting-edge approach. I’m thrilled to take Touchstone Law Offices to the next level while also enhancing the real estate services,” Ward said.

Cahill has more than 15 years of experience specializing in real estate, land use and zoning law, and is known for his “strategic approach to complex real estate transactions and development projects,” according to a press release. 

A resident of Lynn, he is a former assistant district attorney in Essex County and is currently a state representative. He’s also served as a school committee member and city council president. 

“We are humbled to welcome such a well-respected team and to further expand our service offerings,” said John O’Donohue, co-founder and managing partner of Touchstone Closing and Touchstone Law Offices. “The sophistication, expertise and commitment that Brendan, Dan and their team bring to the firm will undoubtedly strengthen Touchstone’s footprint and service offerings.”