PENNSYLVANIA
PENNSYLVANIA
Local litigation firms Local litigation stars Norman Greenspan
Blank Rome
Antitrust, Commercial Litigation, Intellectual
Highly Recommended Kevin Abbott Property, Products Liability, Securities, White-Collar
Reed Smith Crime
Ballard Spahr Commercial Litigation
Nina Gussack
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney Mark Aronchick Pepper Hamilton
Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin Appellate, Products Liability, White-Collar Crime
Dechert Antitrust, Employment Law, General Commercial
Litigation, Securities, White-Collar Crime Michele Hangley
Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin
Martin Black Commercial Litigation, Intellectual Property
Morgan Lewis & Bockius Dechert
Intellectual Property William Hangley
Pepper Hamilton
Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin
Samuel Braver Antitrust, Commercial Litigation, Securities
Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Appellate, Commercial Litigation, Products Liability John Harkins
Harkins Cunningham
Recommended Wilson Brown Antitrust, Commercial Litigation, Intellectual
Drinker Biddle & Reath Property
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld Antitrust, Appellate, General Commercial Litigation,
Insurance, Intellectual Property Robert Heim
Blank Rome Dechert
Douglas Cameron Antitrust, Appellate, Commercial Litigation, Products
Conrad O’Brien Gellman & Rohn Reed Smith Liability
Insurance
Cozen O’Connor Robert Hickok
David Comerford Pepper Hamilton
Drinker Biddle & Reath Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld Antitrust, Appellate, Commercial Litigation,
Antitrust, Commercial Litigation, Securities Securities, White-Collar Crime
Duane Morris
Gordon Cooney Leslie John
Fox Rothschild Morgan Lewis & Bockius Ballard Spahr
Commercial Litigation, Products Liability Commercial Litigation
Harkins Cunningham
Francis Devine Stephen Kastenberg
K&L Gates Pepper Hamilton Ballard Spahr
Commercial Litigation, Insurance, Intellectual Commercial Litigation, White-Collar Crime
Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads Property, Securities
Mary Kohart
Reed Smith John Dodds Drinker Biddle & Reath
Morgan Lewis & Bockius Commercial Litigation, Products Liability
Saul Ewing Antitrust, Commercial Litigation, White-Collar Crime
Ann Laupheimer
Thorp Reed & Armstrong Nancy Gellman Blank Rome
Conrad O’Brien Gellman & Rohn Bankruptcy, Commercial Litigation, Insurance,
Commercial Litigation, Employment Law, Securities
Professional Liability
Wayne Mack
Amy Gimensky Duane Morris
Pepper Hamilton Antitrust, Commercial Litigation, Securities
Commercial Litigation
Arthur Makadon
Eugene Giotto Ballard Spahr
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney Commercial Litigation, White-Collar Crime
Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury, Products
Liability David Marion
Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads
Donald Goldberg Antitrust, Appellate, Commercial Litigation
Ballard Spahr
White-Collar Crime Barbara Mather
Pepper Hamilton
Duncan Grant Antitrust, Appellate, Commercial Litigation,
Pepper Hamilton Securities, White-Collar Crime
Antitrust, Appellate, Commercial Litigation,
Intellectual Property, Securities, White-Collar Crime
388
PENNSYLVANIA
W Thomas McGough
Reed Smith
David Smith
Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis
Future Stars
Appellate, Securities, White-Collar Crime Antitrust, Appellate, Bankruptcy, Commercial
Litigation, Insurance, Intellectual Property, Securities Wendy Beetlestone
Michael Miller Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin
Drinker Biddle & Reath Carl Solano
Insurance, Intellectual Property Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis Nicholas Centrella
Appellate Conrad O’Brien Gellman & Rohn
Joseph O’Dea
Saul Ewing Marc Sonnenfeld Cathleen Devlin
Commercial Litigation Morgan Lewis & Bockius Saul Ewing
Commercial Litigation, Securities
David Pittinsky Lisa Dykstra
Ballard Spahr John Stoviak Morgan Lewis & Bockius
Appellate, Commercial Litigation Saul Ewing
Commercial Litigation, Environmental Law John Gisleson
A Michael Pratt Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis
Pepper Hamilton John Summers
Commercial Litigation Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin John Grugan
White-Collar Crime Ballard Spahr
Abraham Reich
Fox Rothschild Dennis Suplee Jeremy Heep
Antitrust, Insurance, Intellectual Property, Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis Pepper Hamilton
Professional Liability Antitrust, Insurance
Grant Palmer
Stephanie Resnick Joseph Tate Blank Rome
Fox Rothschild Dechert
Commercial Litigation Antitrust, White-Collar Crime Raymond Quaglia
Ballard Spahr
Robert Ridge Ralph Wellington
Thorp Reed & Armstrong Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis Sozi Tulante
Commercial Litigation, White-Collar Crime Antitrust, Appellate, Products Liability Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin
James Rohn Douglas Widin
Conrad O’Brien Gellman & Rohn Reed Smith
Commercial Litigation, White-Collar Crime Insurance
Burt Rublin Nancy Winkelman
Ballard Spahr Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis
Antitrust, Appellate, Commercial Litigation Appellate
Patricia Santelle William Winning
White & Williams Cozen O’Connor
Insurance Criminal Litigation, White-Collar Crime
Richard Scheff William Wycoff
Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads Thorp Reed & Armstrong
Antitrust, Commercial Litigation, Securities Antitrust, Commercial Litigation, Insurance
Howard Scher Michael Zanic
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney K&L Gates
Antitrust, Appellate, Securities Insurance, Products Liability
Michael Scott
Reed Smith
Commercial Litigation, Products Liability, White-
Collar Crime
Daniel Segal
Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin
Commercial Litigation, Education Law
Eric Sitarchuk
Morgan Lewis & Bockius
White-Collar Crime
THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO AMERICA’S LEADING LITIGATION FIRMS & ATTORNEYS 389
PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania will do little to diminish the firm’s litigation
capacity overall.
In the Philadelphia office, senior litigator
Robert Heim is respected by peers and clients
for his all-encompassing and, as he calls it,
“anachronistic” approach to practicing
Pennsylvania was fortunate enough to suffer more of a temporary slowdown, as litigation, which includes a broad fluency in
antitrust, securities, intellectual property,
opposed to an unmitigated meltdown, as a result of the recent economic commercial litigation and products liability
recession. Business activity across the state has seen a recent kick-up that has matters. While peers note that he is “actively
been noticeable to litigators, and this is predicted to inevitably invite its own set planning his retirement,” one current client
of contentious issues. The impact of the recent “gold rush” to the Marcellus shale applauds Heim’s “experience that he brings
field that runs diagonally across the state, which has every oil and gas company in, which is perfect for overseeing a case.”
George Gordon represents Dechert’s robust
looking to drill and build pipelines on much public and private property, is antitrust practice, which has recently drawn
predicted to yield a rebirth of environmental cases. The state’s white-collar clients such as Dean Foods and Whole Foods,
litigators have also been kept busy by a string of state-specific Ponzi schemes and Martin Black spearheads the
dubbed by local lawyers as “mini-Madoffs.” Philadelphia office’s burgeoning intellectual
property group.
Highly recommended firms government relations professionals. The firm
provides comprehensive coverage of key Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin
Ballard Spahr markets within the Keystone State, with two Philadelphia boutique Hangley Aronchick
Formed in 1885, Ballard Spahr has since offices in Harrisburg and one Philadelphia, Segal & Pudlin is unanimously heralded by
blossomed to include 475 attorneys in 12 along with the Pittsburgh office representing seemingly all who come into contact with its
offices spread throughout 11 states. The the western, central and eastern regions of litigators. Competitors speak of the firm with
firm’s Philadelphia flagship office houses the state. Peers weigh in by saying, “They generous commendations ranging from “an
most of its most noted litigators, and Ballard have very good lawyers.” In July 2009, the outstanding, well liked firm,” to “I respect
Spahr remains a respected cornerstone of the firm obtained a victory for client Cook them, they’re pros,” to perhaps the ultimate
Pennsylvania legal community. Peers and Composites and Polymers in a five-week accolade: “You’ve got your work cut out for
clients seem to concur on the firm’s federal jury trial stemming from a $405 you if you’re up against them – they live and
credentials. One peer says that “Ballard million lawsuit filed by Viking Yacht breathe high-stakes litigation.” Clients also
Spahr is a very good litigation firm, one of 10 Company and Post Marine Company in offer praise, with one enthusing: “These
in Philadelphia, maybe one of seven in 2004. The case alleged a breach of warranty lawyers bring a professional and practical
Philadelphia that are outstanding,” while a on behalf of the firm’s client concerning a gel approach. It has a small firm feel but the
client raves, “their work product is perfect coating the client applied to yachts resources to get large jobs accomplished.”
and their hourly rates are competitive. This manufactured by Viking and Post. The court William Hangley is hailed by peers as “an
firm has some outstanding lawyers.” The dismissed the case. extraordinary lawyer who’s attracted a lot of
firm also gained a number of partners in Eugene Giotto is a widely recommended talent.” Hangley is lead counsel in
2010, most notably Ira Silverstein, a trial attorney who litigates complex international litigation defending the former
prominent litigator and former Philadelphia commercial and multimillion-dollar personal directors and managers of a venture capital
managing partner and head of the litigation injury cases. His litigation and trial technology fund and various corporate
practice at Thorp Reed & Armstrong. experience extends to multiple jurisdictions entities against fraud, RICO and conspiracy
David Pittinsky serves as counsel to and covers the areas of health care law, allegations arising from investments made, at
Advance America in ongoing litigation in medical and nursing home malpractice, the height of the internet boom, in cutting-
which the plaintiff claims the client violated industrial explosions and catastrophic injury, edge internet technologies and in an Asian
the Consumer Discount Company Act and toxic tort, general and premises liability, telecommunications company. The claims are
the Loan Interest and Protection Law. Peers employer liability and insurance coverage. valued at over $30 million. Michele Hangley
also point to Arthur Makadon, who experienced a tremendous victory in an
maintains an active litigation practice Dechert appeal of a case on behalf of an Iraqi
focusing on white-collar criminal matters and Headquartered in Philadelphia, Dechert has immigrant who came to the US while Iraq
complex commercial matters. Makadon substantial presence in the national and was under the regime of Saddam Hussein and
serves as counsel to GlaxoSmithKline in international litigation markets but maintains placed under suspicion for being a terrorist.
ongoing antitrust class-action litigation in a near-dominant position in eastern The immigrant initially met with a very
which the plaintiffs allege efforts by Glaxo to Pennsylvania. “You think Philly, you think abusive treatment from a judge who found
preserve the purported monopoly enjoyed by Dechert,” estimates one peer, while another him not credible. The case went to trial in
its brand-name antidepressant drugs offers, “Dechert is really outstanding and has March 2010 and the client was granted
Wellbutrin SR and XL by pursuing various bona fide expertise in products liability.” asylum in May. Peers also note Daniel Segal
legal avenues to preserve patent protection Clients are vociferous in their support for the for his “tenacity and skill” in civil and
for this drug. Makadon is assisted in the firm as well, cheering the firm’s “intellectual criminal matters. Wendy Beetlestone and Sozi
litigation by Leslie John, who also represents horsepower, strategies, writing skills, and Tulante are tipped as future stars.
Glaxo in a separate putative class action advocacy skills,” and “very professional
alleging a number of antitrust violations, culture across the board.” The firm is highly Morgan Lewis & Bockius
including Sherman Act price fixing and regarded for its antitrust, securities, and Morgan Lewis & Bockius experienced
unlawful boycott. white-collar crime practices. The firm has somewhat of a rocky year, with a drop in
also gained nationwide exposure for its revenue and profits and a 4% reduction in its
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney product liability practice, which is the largest overall headcount. The firm also had to
Founded in Pittsburgh in 1850 and still in Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia office did eliminate its 2010 summer associate
headquartered there, Buchanan Ingersoll & lose securities litigator David Howard in June program. Despite this turbulence, the firm is
Rooney has more than 450 attorneys and 2010, but peers are in agreement that this one of the most respected among fellow
390
PENNSYLVANIA
litigators in Pennsylvania, with its name evaluate claims well and provide negotiation consists of more than 200 attorneys with
cropping up frequently and in complimentary skills that are quite helpful and effective. years of experience handling a wide variety of
terms. Additionally, while its headcount They have a good rapport with the trial civil, criminal, and administrative matters in
shrank, the number of partners actually grew, judges and have an excellent legal and ethical state and federal courts across the country, at
and the firm also staged the opening of a new reputation.” Another attests, “I find their both the trial and appellate levels. Ann
office in Wilmington, Delaware, in June written work to be exceptionally clear and Laupheimer concentrates her practice on
2010. In late 2009, the firm made news when convincing.” One competitor candidly corporate litigation, including insurance
a Philadelphia court dismissed a putative intimates, “Schnader was the premier defense coverage disputes and counseling, insurance
class action asserting federal securities claims firm in the area at one point. They went insolvency litigation and advice, and general
against client NutriSystem and certain through a tough period and were on the commercial litigation. Norman Greenspan
officers. ropes until the last couple of years, when they provides counsel in general and commercial
J Gordon Cooney, who is called “cream of have really turned their situation around.” litigation matters, and in responding to civil,
the crop” by a peer, practices commercial and The firm serves the Philadelphia market criminal, and administrative government
civil litigation with an emphasis on class further with a satellite office in nearby investigations.
actions in state and federal courts, including Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and also attends to
consumer, product liability, deceptive trade clients in western Pennsylvania through a Conrad O’Brien Gellman & Rohn
practice, toxic tort, RICO, antitrust, and Pittsburgh outpost. Founded over 25 years ago in Philadelphia,
securities class actions. Marc Sonnenfeld In Philadelphia, David Smith handles large Conrad O’Brien has established itself as one
focuses on defending securities and and complex litigations, including of the state’s top boutique firms. In March
shareholder litigation and related regulatory representation of plaintiffs and defendants in 2010, the firm won a motion to dismiss for
and enforcement proceedings. And according a broad variety of commercial disputes. He Lorillard Tobacco in a multimillion-dollar
to one peer, “In a big class action, I want him receives multiple peer mentions, several of breach of contract claim, and in June 2010,
next to me.”
Pepper Hamilton
Formed in 1890 in Philadelphia, where it is
still headquartered, Pepper Hamilton is a
“‘You think Philly, you think Dechert,’ estimates one peer, while
another offers, ‘Dechert is really outstanding and has bona fide
multi-practice law firm with more than 500
lawyers nationally. The firm provides expertise in products liability.’”
corporate, litigation and regulatory legal
services to leading businesses, governmental
entities, nonprofit organizations and whom speculate that it was largely Smith’s the firm won a motion to dismiss a legal
individuals throughout the nation and the efforts that restored the firm to its earlier malpractice case for a law firm against a
world. Peers note that the firm lost a few key glories. A client raves: “What keeps me former client who alleged the law firm filed a
litigators over the last couple of years, but it coming back to David is that he consistently notice of appeal for the dismissal of $1.7
is also noted that this trend might be shows excellent judgment. His guidance and million in construction delay damages but
reversing itself this year. Indeed, the firm evaluation in shaping achievable settlements failed to serve the statement of issues raised
further augmented its litigation capacity in that satisfied the needs of my company was on appeal to the trial judge. Peers mention
July 2010, when it added commercial invaluable.” Appellate practice leader Carl William O’Brien, who represents clients in a
litigator Bradley Voss. Solano and Nancy Winkelman have wide variety of matters, including products
Several peers mention Nina Gussack for represented Wachovia and a consumer group liability and mass tort cases, class actions,
her trial practice, concentrated in civil of tort victims in the Chrysler bankruptcy, at defamation, employment discrimination,
litigation, with a primary emphasis in the the appeals level. In the Pittsburgh office, personal injury, professional liability,
defense of pharmaceutical and medical device John Gisleson is noted as a future star for his insurance coverage, environmental, antitrust,
companies regarding marketed products, commercial and construction litigation and commercial litigation.
investigational new drugs, medical devices practice.
and over-the-counter drug products. She Cozen O’Connor
represents clients in a range of complex Recommended firms Cozen O’Connor was founded in
commercial and product liability matters Philadelphia in 1970 and has grown its
involving contracts, pharmaceutical drugs Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld litigation services substantially over the years.
and devices, and toxic torts. Barbara Mather Founded in 1945, national firm Akin Gump Peers note, “The firm is getting bigger, adding
focuses on professional responsibility and Strauss Hauer & Feld now has more than huge numbers of people.” When Delaware
malpractice, securities and corporate 800 lawyers in 14 offices around the world, firm WolfBlock folded, many of its attorneys
governance, antitrust, and other commercial including a fairly recent entry into the subsequently gravitated to Cozen. The firm is
and intellectual property litigation, as well as Philadelphia market. The Philadelphia office historically an insurance defense firm,
college and university law. In June 2010, augmented its intellectual property litigation primarily known for subrogation fire
future star Jeremy Heep earned a significant practice in February 2010 with the addition litigation. In August 2010, it was announced
victory on behalf of Mack Trucks in a case of Dianne Elderkin, Barbara Mullin and that Stephen Cozen and nine other firm
involving antitrust issues, culminating eight Steven Maslowski, all of whom previously lawyers had been hired to develop the
years of litigation, including two jury trials practiced at a Philadelphia IP boutique. distribution plan for BP’s $20 billion fund for
over a combined nine weeks, and two appeals David Comerford is the co-chair of the firm’s claims arising from the Deepwater Horizon
to the Third Circuit. litigation practice and focuses on complex Spill. William Winning is acknowledged by
class actions and other commercial litigation. peers as “a real pro white-collar guy, an
Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis outstanding lawyer, and is one of the leaders
Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis makes its Blank Rome of the bar.” It is also noted that the firm is
debut as a highly-recommended firm in this Headquartered in Philadelphia, Blank Rome “building an appellate practice, whereas they
year’s rankings after being propped up by a has grown to include nine stateside offices didn’t formerly have a formalized one there.”
substantial level of recognition and and one in Hong Kong since the firm began
accolades. One client ruminates, “They 60 years ago. The firm’s litigation practice
THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO AMERICA’S LEADING LITIGATION FIRMS & ATTORNEYS 391
PENNSYLVANIA
Drinker Biddle & Reath prominent, increasingly so in Pittsburgh.” products liability – they certainly don’t limit
Based in Philadelphia, Drinker Biddle & John Harkins, addressed by peers as “a themselves to Pennsylvania.” The firm is
Reath is championed by clients for superb litigator,” is engaged in complex especially noted for “having raced away with
“efficiency, thoughtfulness and diligence, litigation involving issues of corporate, pharmaceutical litigation,” but it is also
skilled litigators, good business judgment, securities and antitrust law, contracts, noted that it might experience some
tremendous focus on customer service and intellectual property and ERISA, frequently turbulence since the game-changing
delivering value.” The firm made news in arguing such cases in appellate courts. Peers preemption rulings involving Wyeth, a
June 2010, when client and local institution marvel at Harkins’s impressive prowess, significant client for the firm, effectively
Urban Outfitters was awarded $1.34 million saying: “He’s been in the game a long time altered the pharmaceutical litigation
in attorneys’ fees in a trademark infringement and still has it. He can take on anyone at the landscape. Within the Pittsburgh office,
action. Several peers mention Wilson Brown, big firms.” Kevin Abbott focuses his work in commercial
whose practice is concentrated in the areas of litigation, energy law, and media law.
commercial litigation, intellectual property K&L Gates
and technology litigation, and insurance International megafirm K&L Gates Saul Ewing
coverage disputes, where he is recognized as comprises 2,000 lawyers who practice in 36 Making its debut in this year’s Pennsylvania
one of the premier trial attorneys in the offices located on three continents. Peers rankings, mid-sized Mid-Atlantic firm Saul
country. He also manages antitrust and note, “That’s a monster firm, they’re all over Ewing garners recognition from peers and
securities matters. the place.” In Pennsylvania, the firm focuses praise from clients, one of whom notes, “I
on the less-crowded Pittsburgh market, have tremendous respect for their abilities.
Duane Morris where it has operated for 60 years. The They understand the business, they are cost
Duane Morris is a full-service law firm with Pittsburgh office has more than 125 litigation competitive and always are mindful of
more than 700 attorneys in 24 offices in the lawyers active in a wide variety of disciplines. controlling costs.” Joseph O’Dea is
United States and internationally. Global in Peers mention the firm’s litigation base is acknowledged by clients as “a well rounded
scope, the firm is committed to its core “very deep, very broad.” The firm made attorney who can perform a myriad of
practices established out of its Philadelphia headlines in July 2009, when it was retained functions expertly. He has an engaging
headquarters since its founding there in 1904. by CBS for counsel in a fraud investigation personality and invaluable business acumen.”
The firm made news in July 2009 when it matter filed by former CBS news anchor Dan O’Dea, along with future star nominee
achieved victory on behalf of Atlantic City Rather, who alleged that CBS sought to Cathleen Devlin, is involved in ongoing
Associates, the developer of The Walk in influence a panel that investigated Rather representation of Victaulic Company of
Atlantic City, when a federal jury in New after his controversial “60 Minutes” report America as national coordinating counsel in
Jersey awarded the client $7.6 million after it on former President George W Bush’s products liability lawsuits arising out of the
found the architect on the project breached a military record. exposure of CPVC pipe to an anti-microbial
contract by providing allegedly faulty designs coating applied to other pipes within a fire
that delayed the project’s completion. Peers Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads sprinkler system. John Stoviak is involved in
confirm that Duane Morris’ Philadelphia Founded more than 95 years ago, pending representation of a global financial
office is a “very prominent player” that is Montgomery McCracken is a multi- services firm in its claims for business
“great in litigation.” disciplinary law firm offering clients interruption damages against an airline
litigation, legal counseling, and business related to terrorist attacks in the United
Fox Rothschild transactional services. The firm serves the States.
Fox Rothschild was founded in Philadelphia southeastern Pennsylvania market with
in 1907, and today this office continues as a offices in Philadelphia, Berwyn and West Thorp Reed & Armstrong
cornerstone of the firm’s strength. Chester, as well as one in nearby Cherry Hill, Formed in 1895, Thorp Reed & Armstrong
Additionally, the firm serves the state further New Jersey, and one in Delaware. The firm is has grown to include offices located in
with an office in Pittsburgh, as well as rumored to have experienced some partner Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
outposts in smaller areas like Warrington, migrations over the past year, but is still Princeton, New Jersey; and Wheeling, West
Bucks County and Exton, Chester County. noted for having “a respectable litigation Virginia. Approximately 125 lawyers support
Abraham Reich receives unanimous mentions team.” Firm chairman Richard Scheff is a wide variety of clients’ needs within the
for his antitrust, securities and intellectual lauded by the legal community as being practice areas of business law, litigation,
properties litigation prowess. Peers call him “smart, tough and likeable, which is a rare labor and commercial and public finance. In
“a very able, smart litigator.” Litigation combination.” Scheff’s practice focuses on the Pittsburgh flagship office, peers point to
department head Stephanie Resnick, who government investigations, internal corporate William Wycoff, who focuses his practice on
earned the honor of serving as the Third investigations, white-collar criminal and corporate, contract, securities and class
Circuit Representative to the ABA Standing fraud matters, and matters specific to action litigation, with a primarily defense-
Committee on the Federal Judiciary from institutions of higher learning. Senior counsel oriented emphasis. Also in Pittsburgh, Robert
August 2009 to August 2010, is also noted by David Marion was recently invited to become Ridge represents clients in civil and criminal
peers as “very commendable and an excellent a fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America. cases involving allegations of financial fraud
next-generation foil to Abe Reich.” The and breach of fiduciary duties. In July 2010,
firm’s recent clients include Wachovia Bank, Reed Smith the firm emerged victorious on behalf of
Dollar Tree Stores and the Philadelphia Reed Smith, operating from its Pittsburgh ECEM European Chemical Marketing in a
Housing Authority. headquarters since 1877, is another case focused on a dispute over payment for
Pennsylvania firm that has grown to enjoy international shipments of styrene monomer
Harkins Cunningham national prominence, particularly in the fields between two European entities.
Formed in 1992, boutique firm Harkins of labor and employment law and products
Cunningham is one of the younger firms in liability. Beyond Pittsburgh, the firm attends
the Pennsylvania market and operates out of to clients in the eastern portion of the state
only one office in Philadelphia and another in with a Philadelphia office, and it has forged
Washington, DC, but its presence hasn’t gone an international footprint with 20 other
unnoticed by its larger peers, who offices around the world. Peers unanimously
acknowledge the firm as being “small but observe, “Reed Smith is everywhere in
392
PENNSYLVANIA
An international law firm with offices throughout the United States, Europe, Bankruptcy – Dechert lawyers strive to maximize recovery for clients in
and Asia, Dechert has the resources to help clients succeed wherever they contested bankruptcies. We represent borrowers, distressed companies,
do business. We focus on core litigation and transactional practices, bondholders, secured creditors, creditor committees, and acquirers of
providing top-ranked services to major corporations, financial institutions, troubled businesses in litigation matters involving fraudulent conveyance
and private funds worldwide. claims, debtor-in-possession financing, asset sales, equitable subordination,
substantive consolidation, plan confirmation and exclusivity, preferences,
Litigation settlements of disputed claims, recharacterization of debt, and valuation
Corporations and financial institutions turn to Dechert’s litigators to resolve matters.
their most difficult and important disputes. Recognized by clients, peers,
and adversaries as a go-to firm for complex litigation, Dechert’s Appellate – Dechert’s appellate practice regularly represents clients before
distinguished trial team leverages our experience to defeat plaintiff claims the Supreme Court of the United States, the US Courts of Appeal, and
and achieve favorable outcomes for our clients. Our command of the state appellate courts, bringing years of distinguished experience and skills
courtroom means we don’t just win at trial—we win before trial, settling the to the particular challenges of appellate advocacy. Our appellate lawyers are
hard cases and knocking out our opponents’ claims early in the game. We familiar with the intricacies of appellate rules and many have served on bar
also dedicate a substantial portion of our practice to helping our clients and judiciary conference committees that evaluate existing rules and
minimize risk and avoid litigation before it even arises. recommend new ones. Dechert lawyers are admitted to practice before the
Supreme Court of the United States, all 13 federal appellate courts, and
Mass Torts and Product Liability – With experience in many of the highest- many of the country’s state appellate courts.
profile mass torts litigated in the past decade, our mass torts and product
liability practice offers skillful representation in domestic and multinational E-Discovery – In today’s rapidly evolving technological world, failing to
cases ranging from individual actions to the largest toxic tort class actions. properly manage e-discovery issues can have severe consequences,
While working closely with leading experts in science and other fields to ranging from monetary sanctions to entry of judgment. Dechert approaches
refine defense strategies, we have successfully defended clients against e-discovery from the perspective of trial attorneys, drawing upon our
product liability claims in diverse industries, including tobacco, chemical, involvement some of the country’s largest and most complex litigation
pharmaceutical, consumer goods, medical devices, and food and beverage. matters. This broad experience helps us develop with our clients an overall
strategic approach to discovery, so the focus remains on the merits of the
White-Collar and Securities – Dechert represents public and private underlying dispute, not discovery. Our e-discovery litigation strategies are as
corporations, investment companies and advisors, private equity funds, diverse as our clients with the objective of serving their short- and long-term
hedge funds, officers and directors, executives, and special committees in needs.
all aspects of investigations, securities enforcement proceedings, and
securities litigation. The team includes former federal prosecutors with Other Litigation – The firm also litigates insurance, environmental, health
securities fraud, criminal, antitrust, and defense contract fraud experience care, and employment cases and resolves international disputes through
and former senior Securities and Exchange Commission lawyers who offer litigation and arbitration.
invaluable insight into state and federal securities compliance issues and
SEC, FINRA, and stock exchange regulations. In addition to the results we achieve in litigation, Dechert is further
demonstrating its commitment to clients through the launch of our Project
Antitrust/Competition – Dechert’s antitrust/competition team provides Management initiative. We are developing new approaches to efficiency and
integrated global solutions to business risk posed by merger enforcement; communication that will assist us in creating innovative fee arrangements,
antitrust litigation, especially class actions; cartel investigations; other driving more accurate cost estimates, keeping matters on budget, and
government competition law investigations; and cases involving the improving quality control of internal teams.
intersection of intellectual property and antitrust law. Representing clients in
a wide variety of industries, our team has extensive experience as trial Pro Bono
lawyers or government enforcers in the Antitrust Division of the Department
of Justice and the Bureaus of Competition of the Federal Trade Service to our communities and to those who cannot otherwise obtain legal
Commission, which enables us to guide our clients confidently through representation is central to the Dechert culture. As a result, pro bono work
every aspect of antitrust law. is on the same plane as all of our other services and is completely
integrated into our overall practice. We accept pro bono referrals from local,
Intellectual Property – Dechert’s intellectual property litigation practice national, and international legal services organizations and our pro bono
handles all manner of disputes, from complex patent cases to administrative docket is varied. Among the hundreds of matters we take on each year are
proceedings before the US Patent and Trademark Office. Our attorneys cases involving asylum, prisoner civil rights, child advocacy, international
have particular experience in matters involving electronics, software, human rights, special education, and access to public benefits. Also, in
computer systems, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Our patent keeping with our international footprint, a significant portion of Dechert pro
litigators have handled some of the country’s largest patent cases for bono work is global in scope, including work with international human rights
plaintiffs and defendants in a host of federal district courts and the Federal organizations and representation of human trafficking victims.
Circuit, before the International Trade Commission, and in patent courts in
Europe.
THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO AMERICA’S LEADING LITIGATION FIRMS & ATTORNEYS 393
PENNSYLVANIA
JOHN G. HARKINS, JR.
HARKINS CUNNINGHAM LLP
2800 One Commerce Square
2005 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103-7042
Tel. (215) 851-6701 Centre Square West, 1500 Market Street, 38th Floor
Fax. (215) 851-6710 Philadelphia, PA 19102-2186
jharkins@harkinscunningham.com Tel: 215.972.7777 Fax: 215.972.7725
www.harkinscunningham.com
Other Offices: Baltimore, MD; Chesterbrook, PA; Harrisburg, PA; New York,
Throughout his career, John Harkins has been engaged in complex NY; Newark, NJ; Princeton, NJ; Washington, DC; Wilmington, DE
litigation involving issues of corporate, securities and antitrust law,
contracts, intellectual property and ERISA, frequently arguing such cases Website: www.saul.com
in appellate courts. Mr. Harkins has also served as an advisor on a wide Managing Partner: David S Antzis
variety of corporate issues and transactions. He has advised directors on Litigation Department Chair: Joseph F O’Dea, Jr.
their fiduciary and other duties, corporate clients on disclosure issues, Litigation Department Vice Chairs: Edward J Baines, Cathleen M Devlin,
director committees in the investigation of alleged corporate wrongdoing, James A Keller, Francis X Riley, III, Thomas S Schaufelberger
and corporations on the defenses available to them under Pennsylvania law
against hostile takeover bids. He has also appeared on behalf of Litigation practice:
defendants in many derivative actions. Saul Ewing's Litigation Department represents publicly traded and privately
held companies in a diverse range of commercial litigation matters. Our
Mr. Harkins is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a litigators bring an extensive background of courtroom experience to their
member of the American Law Institute. He served as a trustee of the cases and have handled high-exposure civil and criminal litigation, including
University of Pennsylvania and remains an emeritus trustee. He also served multidistrict and class action cases in numerous jurisdictions and industries.
as vice-chairman and trustee of the University of Pennsylvania Health The Department is comprised of nearly 80 litigators who are dedicated to
System and as chairman of the board of overseers of the University’s Law producing a high-quality work product for our clients at reasonable cost.
School and is a member and former chairman of the board of advisors of We routinely provide early case assessment and budget estimates to
the Institute for Law and Economics. He has been listed in Best Lawyers clients to determine the risks and the potential costs of litigation in order to
in America since its inception, is listed in Chambers USA Guide to help them make informed decisions. We work rigorously to help our clients
America’s Leading Lawyers in Business, and is ranked as one of the best achieve their business objectives. We bring our business judgment to bear
lawyers in Pennsylvania in Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. on problems both in and out of the courtroom. Regardless of the situation,
we view our role as being partners with our clients, working together in an
Mr. Harkins received his LLB, summa cum laude, from the University of effort to achieve the best possible results. Our team has the flexibility, skills
Pennsylvania in 1958, where he was Order of the Coif and editor-in-chief and bench strength to defend clients’ interests in litigation involving:
of the University of Pennsylvania Law Review. He had received his BA
from the University of Pennsylvania in 1953, graduating cum laude. From • Antitrust • Government Contracts
1953 to 1955, he served as an officer in the US Army. • Bankruptcy • Higher Education
• Breach of Contract • Insurance
• Civil Rights • Intellectual Property
• Commercial • Internal and Government
• Construction Investigations
• Corporate Governance • Media Defense
• Employment including non-competes • Products Liability
• Environmental • Real Estate
• ERISA • Securities
• Financial • Telecommunications
• Fraud • White Collar/Criminal Defense
We have tried cases in federal and state courts (and in arbitration forums)
throughout the United States, including trying more than 70 cases over the
past three years, with hundreds of cases tried to verdict collectively over the
careers of our partners. Among the industries we serve are:
• Construction • Insurance and reinsurance
• Defense & Aerospace • Life Sciences, including Biotech,
• Education Pharmaceutical and Medical
• Environmental Services Device
• Heavy Manufacturing • Real Estate
• Higher Education • Securities
Firm profile:
Saul Ewing is a full-service law firm with 250 lawyers in nine offices in
Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, New York and the District of
Columbia. The firm serves businesses throughout the United States and
internationally, including recognizable names in corporate America, and an
array of closely held and privately held companies, as well as nonprofits. Each
office is strategically located to provide clients with access to the full range of
resources and services Saul Ewing offers. We staff cases and transactions to
meet a client’s particular need from our firm-wide network of attorneys.
394