Nelson Levine Acquires Querrey & Harrow’s NY Office

Blue Bell-based insurance defense firm Nelson Levine de Luca & Horst has picked up the New York City office of Querrey & Harrow.

The addition of the eight-attorney office supplements several Nelson Levine attorneys who work in New York periodically, according to Nelson Levine chairman Mike Nelson.

George Vogrin will serve as the office’s managing partner.

The expansion is part of Nelson Levine’s five-year plan for “aggressive growth,” according to Nelson Levine press release.

Nelson Levine has about 50 attorneys, according to the press release.

The eight-attorney group in New York focuses on complex insurance and reinsurance litigation and will provide increased support for its work in the London market, the press release said.

The firm already has an office in London, as well as offices in New Jersey and Ohio.

– Stephanie  Lovett, Staff Reporter

Hepburn Willcox To Close Firm

After more than 125 years, Hepburn Willcox Hamilton & Putnam is closing its doors at the end of June.

Managing partner Susan L. White said the firm had recognized that the marketplace no longer supported a small general practice firm. The firm was founded in 1880.

White said the firm’s practice areas were diverse and the market demanded that small firms have more niche practices.

“This is a very sad moment for us,” White said.

Half of Hepburn Willcox’s partners including White, John T. Robertson Jr , Jerome C. Murray and Robert S. Cohen have formed a new firm, along with former Blank Rome attorney Sheryl L. Axelrod, she said.

White said the new firm, Hepburn Robertson Axelrod & White, would focus on business transactions for small and midsized businesses and nonprofits.

She said partner Edward J. Kaier would be joining trusts and estates firm Teeters Harvey & Gilboy.

Partner Kenneth Ahl is still undecided as to his plans, she said.

White said the firm’s clients had been informed of the decision and she said she expected all of the clients to follow their respective attorneys to their new firms.

– Stephanie Lovett, Staff Reporter

Ballard Spahr Attorney Speaks Before Congress

Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll partner Mark J. Levin testified before Congress Tuesday.

Levin spoke before the House Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law in support of mandatory binding arbitration agreements.

Levin was the sole representative for industry members and argued in the oversight hearing that mandatory binding arbitrations are fair for consumers under existing law.

Levin is a partner in the firm’s litigation department and a member of the consumer financial services and insurance groups.

– Gina Passarella, Staff Reporter