01/14/08
Powell Goldstein Opens Charlotte Office
Powell Goldstein, LLP, announced that it has opened a six-lawyer office in Charlotte, NC. The creation of the outlet, focused on structured finance work, follows the 2006 opening of the Dallas, TX, office which concentrates on commercial mortgage-backed securities matters. Geoffrey R Maibohm, formerly of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, and Donald E. Martin, formerly of Kennedy, Covington, Lobdell & Hickman, both join the firm as partners. "Powell Goldstein has had a very strong year in 2007, and we are excited to establish a presence in such a dynamic and growing city as Charlotte. Establishing an office in Charlotte positions us for the future and further solidifies our relationship with some of our long-standing clients," said James J. McAlpin Jr., chairman of Powell Goldstein.
Duane Morris Chairman Resigns
On January 4, 2008, Duane Morris's chairman, Sheldon Bonovitz, resigned after nearly 10 years at the post. Since he began his tenure as chairman in 1998, Bonovitz has overseen the firm's expansion from 200 to 650 attorneys, as well as seen the firm's revenue increase from $70 to $375 million. Vice chairman and litigation department head John J. Soroko will take over Bonovitz's position. "My goal is to be helpful to John as he assumes the chairmanship, but certainly not to be intrusive," Bonovitz stated in a firm-wide email. "My status will be that of chairman emeritus and, as such, I will serve on various committees and boards of the firm, as well as focus on client development and practice."
McNees, Wallace & Nurick Acquires Chesters & Miller
Harrisburg, PA-based McNees, Wallace & Nurick has acquired the Lancaster, PA-based four-member boutique firm Chesters & Miller. Chesters & Miller founders Frank C. Chesters and John H. Miller Jr. will join the firm as partners, while Katherine Pandelidis Granbois and Vance E. Antonacci will join as counsel. After the leases expire for both offices, McNees Wallace plans to merge their Lancaster outfit with Chesters & Miller's in order to prepare for the office's future expansion in the area.