what firm is this?
 

I would guess that only Morgan and Dechert even come close to meeting the definition of "major international firm" and also have tax depts. in this area.

Anyone else have any idea?

what firm is this?
 

There are several other firms that are based in Philadelphia or have Philadelphia offices that would characterize themselves as "major" (as in, "we're big and important") and "international" (as in, "we have one or more offices outside the US"). Reed Smith and Duane Morris immediately come to mind, for example. I think both also have tax practices in Philly. There are probably others I'm not thinking of. (I don't think Buchanan Ingersoll still has a London office -- I think those guys went to Reed Smith -- but don't they still have some sort of operation in Dublin?)

what firm is this?
 

Reed and Duane? Ok, fine, if delusions of grandeur count, fine, then those two should also be included...

what firm is this?
 

Dechert. Definately Dechert. I refer the board to their Martidale Hubble listing. And I quote:

"Dechert is a growing international law firm with more than 750 lawyers. . . .
And with 15 fully integrated offices in the United States, the United Kingdom and Continental Europe, we have the resources to deliver seamless, high-quality legal services to clients worldwide."

For those who regularly read the FB, I would say this is akin to calling oneself "classy."

what firm is this?
 

Well, OK, while we're on the subject of shameless self promotion and delusions of grandeur, this is from Reed Smith's web site:

"Reed Smith is a top 20 international law firm, dedicated
to core values of teamwork, professionalism and mutual
respect, and poised to deliver a level of personal service
unsurpassed in its 125-year history."

Substitute "major" for "top 20" and what have you got -- a "major international law firm," right?

On reflection, though, the giveaway might be the last bit -- "top compensation." In Philadelphia, that should narrow the field to Morgan and Dechert (although, again, who knows how a firm might self-define "top compensation") (see, this is why we're known as the only profession that could have produced a President capable of disputing the meaning of the word "is").

This has been fun, but maybe somebody could call the recruiter and find out? The suspense is killing me. (Not like I'd qualify for a tax position at a "major international" firm anyway.)

what firm is this?
 

I sort fo tried that. I sent my resume to the recruiter through the recruiter's website and received some type of form rejection letter. I have an LLM and a few years of state & local tax experience, so I thought I would be a legitimate candidate, but I guess not.

Bowties
 

Somehow, the thought of Sheldon Bonowitz walking down 40-odd floors wearing a bow tie makes me chuckle.

[spree: Law.com article, requiring subscription, about Duane Morris' managing partner got stuck in last week's blackout]

Shriners
 

Would someone please tell me why the Shriners have to parade loudly down Market Street in Philadelphia on a Wednesday afternoon?!?

Shriners
 

How loud could they be, driving around in those little miniature cars?

They are loud enough for me to be able to hear them 30 + floors up.

Dechert lays off 4 corporate associates
 

According to an article (subscription required) in today's legal Intelligencer, Dechert has decided to "part ways" (their words, not mine) with four corporate associates resident in the Philadelphia office. Dechert refers to this as "culling," while the associates view it as a layoff. The same article notes that Dechert recently had it's highest annual ppp in its history, reaching ~$880,000 per equity partner.

A matter of months?!? Damn, that a shame. As for corroborating evidence, all I have is the fact that, while I once knew many people there, they have all since left (either by lay-off or, as you stated by fleeing the sinking ship). I don't know anyone high enough inside to know exactly what is going on, but, from the perspective of associates who have left, it's not a happy place.

Philadelphia Law firms pitch their case with more marketing (subscription required).

In other news, Heather Mitts (YUM) is going to ring the NYSE bell on September 2.

Georgia
 

... is Mid-Atlantic if you are looking at it from Miami's perspective. Something to consider.

More on Schnader and a couple other firms
 

Duane strikes me as the Brobeck of the East: growing too fast w/o any discernable focus. let's hope it doesn't end the way Brobeck did...

As for Schnader, I say again: wow.

Deliberate expansion
 

Apropos this discussion, there is an interesting Business Journal article on law firm expansion: in a nutshell, firms are being more deliberate.

Smaller expansions help law firms grow at steady pace: Tactics vary from adding offices to focusing on practice areas
http://www.bizjournals.com/ct/c/542237
(free registration may be required)

Batlimore Firms Saul Ewing and Rosenberg Proutt Funk & Greenberg
 

I am looking for any insight into the quality of life, work, reputation, etc. for these firms. Thanks in advance.

Batlimore Firms Saul Ewing and Rosenberg Proutt Funk & Greenberg
 

The Saul Ewing office in Baltimore is the remnant of one-time Baltimore power firm Weinberg & Green. I don't know about its current structure very much, but prior to the merger, it wasn't doing a very good job of keeping younger rainmakers because of the profit division structure. I haven't heard particularly bad things about QOL, and they certainly have some good attorneys. But I've only been across the table, so I don't know the intimate details of their inner workings.

Rosenberg Proutt is a younger mid-size firm. I've been very impressed with the attorneys I've worked with / across from there. I think their client base tends to be local and somewhat smaller. I think their reputation in the legal community is solid. They seem to have a diverse mix of specialists for their size. It would probably be a great place to get good experience, but again, this is from outside looking in. Such things are highly dependant on individual partners.

More "parting of ways"
 

Today's Legal has an article (subscription required for viewing online) about more "parting of ways" between a big PHL firm and some associates. This time MLB has jettisoned 3 tax associates. The article also has some interesting analysis re: the decline of the once-powerful tax group at MLB.

AdL

Morgan
 

A well-informed source advises that MLB has quetly "flushed" several more associates from its ranks than it has acknowledged publicly. No word on specifics, but my source assures that the individuals involved did not have "performance issues." Stay tuned...

Morgan et al.
 

Any additional scoop? Philadelphia office, I presume. Numbers? Practice groups? Ostensible rationale(s)?

In other news, today's PGH Biz Times advises that Duane Morris has snagged another partner from Pepper for its new Pittsburgh office (Joseph Moran, who was at Reed Smith before Pepper, and who is a technology lawyer). Sheldon Bonovitz said that the goal is to be up to 25 lawyers by the end of the year (!) -- by my count, that means there are at least 20 more lawyers at other firms in Pittsburgh who are being courted as we speak.

Elsewhere, the Biz Times mentions that the Pittsburgh office of Schnader added two new partners (don't know whether those are internal promotions or laterals). Maybe things are improving there?

Morgan et al.
 

Yes, the Philadelphia office, some in labor, some in lit. I am still following up, and will post as soon as I hear something.

SM

NJ bona fide office requirement scrubbed
 

So, how many thousands of dollars have been spent complying with the bona fide office requirement that was recently shelved (subscription required) for the next three years?

More on Duane Morris/Pittsburgh
 

From the 9/17 Intelligencer:

Duane Morris Expands Pittsburgh Office

Duane Morris has once again raided Pepper Hamilton's and Buchanan Ingersoll's talent pool to expand its recently established Pittsburgh office. The firm announced the addition of Pepper Hamilton litigation partner Joseph T. Moran and Buchanan Ingersoll bankruptcy partners Joel M. Walker and Philip J. Uher. Two associates, D. Troy Blair and Bradley J. Walent, are also joining the Pittsburgh office.

"Joe, Joel and Phil offer strong experience in areas of complex litigation and bankruptcy that complement our national practices in these areas," Duane Morris chairman Sheldon Bonovitz said in a statement. "Their addition also helps us to provide a greater array of legal services here in Pittsburgh."

Duane Morris announced the official opening of its Pittsburgh office in early August, with the original group consisting of former Pepper Hamilton litigators George M. Medved, James P. Hollihan and David A. Scotti and Buchanan Ingersoll corporate partner A. Bruce Bowden. All four entered Duane Morris as partners.

At the time the office opened, Bonovitz said the firm would quickly expand the Pittsburgh office to as many as 25 attorneys by the end of the year. Sources familiar with the situation said Duane Morris has been exceptionally aggressive in seeking other partner candidates from various firms in Pittsburgh. In addition, Bonovitz said the firm would be adding several associates as well as two government affairs professionals, the latter under the leadership of former Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Mark Singel, a principal in the firm's government affairs affiliate, Public Affairs Management.

Moran focuses his practice on commercial and technology-based litigation, First Amendment/media law and technology/Internet counseling (e-commerce, IT contracts, privacy, identity theft, and Web and workplace technology planning and policy work).

Moran is a 1986 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

Uher concentrates his practice in bankruptcy and creditors' rights issues, including workouts and restructurings. He has represented both debtors and creditors, including secured lenders, lessors and creditors' committees in matters related to plans of reorganization, asset purchases, prosecution of claims and avoidance actions. The 1991 University of Pittsburgh School of Law graduate has played a significant role in commercial bankruptcies such as those involving the Pittsburgh Penguins and Forman Enterprises.

Walker's practice focuses on creditors' rights and business law. His bankruptcy and workout practice encompasses a wide variety of issues. Additionally, the 1977 University of Pittsburgh School of Law graduate serves as general outside counsel for several emerging businesses, providing legal advice and business counseling.

Eckert takes over outsourcing for Alcoa IP
 

This is just weird:

Alcoa has outsourced its IP department to Eckert. Apparently Eckert has made offers to all of Alcoa's IP attorneys, who will continue to work in Alcoa's offices (along with two other Eckert attorneys).

Alcoa claims it will save them 25% a year in costs related to the department, but I'm not sure I see how.

Alcoa turns IP legal unit over to Eckert
http://www.bizjournals.com/industrie...gh_story4.html

(may require free registration)

Alcoa Outsources IP to Eckert
 

Weird, in one sense -- many firms seem to be scaling back their IP these days, because of profitability concerns (preferring to focus on IP litigation), and Eckert seems to be headed in the other direction. On the other hand, perhaps not so weird -- Alcoa seems to like this "outsourcing" model. It did the same thing a number of years ago with litigation, which is how LeBeouf Lamb's Pittsburgh office started. And perhaps Eckert views this as an opportunity to position itself to do Alcoa's IP litigation.

Firm Chairman Leaves BI
 

From BI's website:

Newlin Leaves Firm for Opportunity at Dick's Sporting Goods Tue Sep 23, 2003

Pittsburgh, PA, September 23, 2003 - William R. Newlin, Chairman and CEO of Buchanan Ingersoll, announced today that he is leaving the law firm to join Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. Newlin, who has led Buchanan Ingersoll since the 1980's, said, "I am very excited about working with Dick's management to assist them as they continue their impressive growth. At the same time, I will miss the people at Buchanan who have worked so hard in helping to build it into one of the premier law firms in the nation."

Thomas L. VanKirk, the firm's Chief Operating Officer since 1985, said that Mr. Newlin would be missed. "Bill and I have worked side-by-side for many years and it has been a tremendous experience," he said.

VanKirk said the firm has a strong board of directors and Executive Committee that will continue into the foreseeable future. "We have a powerful management team, and we intend to continue the momentum that Bill and the rest of us have built up as we move forward."

Newlin said he was proud to be leaving the firm in such competent hands and at a time when it is financially sound and staffed with top quality talent. "The firm has the benefit of a good board of directors and Executive Committee, and Tom VanKirk's nearly 20 years of experience as Chief Operating Officer. With that level of talent and leadership, Buchanan Ingersoll will undoubtedly continue to prosper."

About the Firm

Buchanan Ingersoll (www.buchananingersoll.com) is one of the largest 110 law firms in the United States. The firm's domestic offices are in the principal cities of Pittsburgh, New York City, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Princeton, Miami, Tampa, Wilmington and San Diego.

Buchannan
 

Wow, the wheels really are coming off that place...

Miles & Stockbridge
 

Interesting article in the Business Journal:

Miles & Stockbridge decides to stay downtown
http://www.bizjournals.com/ct/c/573719

It's interesting that Miles decided to stay put, but not really that surprising they stayed downtown. I don't think they were really looking to Piper as a model, since Piper's move to Mt. Washington has been followed be a shift in power away from Baltimore.

I thought it was also interesting that the article characterized Piper as having only the second largest number of Baltimore area attorneys, behind Venable. I was also surprised that Whiteford was ahead of Miles.

Does anyone have access to the Business Journal's latest Book of Lists data on Baltimore firms?

More BI News
 

Interesting interview with Thomas VanKirk, Buchanan Ingersoll's new CEO, in this morning's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette -- much harder-hitting than the typical softball stuff you see in the legal press (props to Patricia Sabatini, the P-G reporter, for asking tough questions, including one that included the phrase "rats fleeing a sinking ship" -- ouch). Here's the headline and intro, and then a link to the full story:

New Buchanan CEO fights rumors

Former COO VanKirk says law firm not in turmoil but strong and intent on growth

Wednesday, October 01, 2003

By Patricia Sabatini, Post-Gazette Staff Writer

The sudden departure of Bill Newlin last week as head of Buchanan Ingersoll fueled talk that the city's third-largest law firm was in turmoil, possibly on the verge of breaking up.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/03274/227471.stm

Interesting. However, I think he doth protest too much.

American Lawyer Associate Survey - Baltimore
 

How much stock should some one put in the Am Law Associate survey? The Daily Record reported that Miles & Stockbridge was named the number 10 best law firm to work in the country and number 4 of midsized firms. Any thoughts?

"Volume: 4 Number: 79_law October 2, 2003

American Lawyer praises local firms
By ALISA BRALOVE
Daily Record Legal Affairs Writer

Miles & Stockbridge has been named number 10 on The American Lawyer’s annual list of the best places to work, up from its number 64 spot last year. In addition to its high-scoring spot on the list of 159 firms, the 181-attorney firm also came in at number four on the list of the nation’s top 10 midsize firms.
- Alisa Bralove"

merged into main thread by baltassoc

American Lawyer Associate Survey - Baltimore
 

While I understand the Am Law survey is subject to some distortion due to sometimes small sample sizes and allegations of ballot stuffing.

Nonetheless, this doesn't really surprise me. The folks I know at Miles seem generally pretty happy there. The pay isn't quite the same as Venable and Piper, but the work level seems much less as well.

I know several attorneys there that share time between two offices -usually downtown and whichever one is nearest their house. This is true even of attorneys whose practice doesn't tie them to the regional office (i.e. they don't have local clients). So I can see where the results come from.

law school apps stay relatively constant
 

the Biz Journal (subscription required) reports that applications to Philadelphia-area law schools has remained high. No doubt this is a reaction to the abismal job market. For the sake of those in school (as well as everyone else, really)I hope it improves soon.

law school apps stay relatively constant
 

A recession is a good time to BE in school, though not a good time to go to school. I think that people applying now, or starting now assuming the stats are trailing for the class entering this fall, won't graduate until 2007. We could go through a whole boom-bust cycle in that time, with some unlucky graduates who get offers in '05 for summer positions during a putative boom of '06 getting their F/T offers revoked after graduation (knock wood that it doesn't turn out that way, but it easily could).

Not to mention that I think going $100k in debt is a bad way to respond to a down economy...

law school apps stay relatively constant
 

Damn straight. It is so easy to fill out the little applications: it's not so easy when writing the check for the $800 monthly payments!

law school apps stay relatively constant
 

Here is wisdom you can take to the bank and cash... PHILLY'S ECONOMY IS NEVER COMING BACK. IF YOU INTEND TO WORK HERE AND DON'T HAVE A HUGE BOOK OF BUSINESS, YOU'D BETTER LIKE PLAINTIFF'S WORK, BECAUSE THAT IS THE ONLY REASONABLE LEGAL JOB (Note: Reasonable jobs exclude being a slave at Morgan/Dechert) WHICH WILL PAY YOU OVER $150K AS A YOUNG LAWYER IN THIS TOWN.

Don't believe me? Fine. Go get yer fucking degree from Villanova, assjack. See how much you'll make in 8 years.

And if certain firms in town collapse in the next two years, which is looking more and more probable every day, Philly will be the worst associates' market in the country.

Pennsylvania is dead and I would not hire a young lawyer coming to work in Philly because anyone who does his due diligence should recognize THIS TOWN IS A FUCKING CORPSE.

S(I'd wager my family on the veracity of the above comments)D

Schnader Harrison
 

A faithful reader reports that Schnader Harrison is definately imploding. Em asserts that while this has been reported here before as rumor, it's really happening. So it's still rumor, but an annonymous source is telling you that it's a really real rumor.

I trust the source. If em says it's true, I'd bet on it. It's about to be a bad time to be looking to lateral in Philly.

Schnader SF
 

1. As to the name game, firms are like 14 year old girls. "Mary got a clit ring, Mom! I HAVE to have one." If Dechert decided to sacrifice one secretary a week to Zeus on a conference room table, a whole slew of lemmings all over town would do the same. Insecure males with small dicks and egos run amuck, trying to prove who has the biggest share of a dwindling market in a city with an economy that's been dead since before Reagan. Watching these helplessly fucked people jockey around each other is like watching the Larry Holmes v. Butterbean fight. Its as ugly and embarrassing as it is pointless and you just wish someone would stop it, but you can't help looking. Its addictive...

A new article (subscription required) in today's Legal discusses the results of recent mid-level surveys. Apparently associates at Reed Smith are REALLy unhappy... Buchannan Ingersoll associates, on the other hand, seem to be very satisfied.