Two Midwestern firms merged earlier this month seeking a larger geographic footprint — and Chicago was the only city that already had an existing presence with both firms.The newly combined operation, formed from Milwaukee-based Whyte, Hirschboeck, Dudek S.C. and Kansas City, Mo.-based Husch, Blackwell LLP, will operate under the Husch, Blackwell name.The two officially joined forces on July 15, creating a workforce of about 700 lawyers in 18 U.S. cities plus London.Whyte, Hirschboeck’s 10 lawyers will move in …