In 1875, Wayne MacVeagh and George Tucker Bispham formed a law firm in Philadelphia that represented banks, railroads and coal companies. Most of their early cases were successful, like their defense of the Pennsylvania Railroad against complaints by homeowners regarding the decrease of their property’s value due to railroad operations.

However, when many of its lawyers left the firm to serve during World War II, the firm merged with Dechert, Smith & Clark, a Philadelphia-based law firm established in the 1930s. When the war ended, the firm began offering services in specialized practice areas. Four practice groups were created in 1946: taxation, litigation, fiduciary, and business and corporate law. By 1955, the firm grew to accommodate 39 lawyers at its new office.

Over the years, and after several mergers, the firm expanded and began its international practice by opening its first European office in Brussels in 1968. In 1972, Dechert established its office in London. The firm’s Paris office opened its doors to clients in 1995.

After merging with London’s Titmuss Sainer & Webb (which became Titmuss Sainer Dechert) in 2000, the firm went through a major expansion in the United Kingdom. Other offices in international locations were opened in the following years.

At present, Dechert has a total of 17 offices all over the United States and Europe. In 2007, the firm established its presence in Asia by opening an office in Hong Kong.

With over 1,000 lawyers, Dechert is committed to extending effective and efficient client service. It is committed to excellence and its lawyers know that understanding a client’s objective or need is vital in coming up with innovative and resultant solutions; and in ensuring high quality legal services.

Dechert’s lawyers are considerably experienced in a variety of practice areas and industries. The firm’s main practice areas include corporate and securities, litigation, finance and real estate, financial services, and intellectual property. Dechert is also admired for its excellent performance in tax, bankruptcy, employment, health, and environmental law.

The firm’s lawyers work in teams in order to deliver the best results and satisfy their clients. Ongoing communication with the clients is an important factor in Dechert’s strategy.

Aside from its legal commitments to big name clients, Dechert also encourages its attorneys to provide excellent pro bono service to those who cannot afford to pay legal counsel. Dechert is a founding member of the Law Firm Pro Bono Project and is likewise active in the Law Firm Pro Bono Challenge and United Kingdom’s Joint Protocol for Pro Bono Legal Work.

Dechert LLP’s chairman is Barton J. Winokur. He is ably assisted by managing partners James J. Marino, Joseph J. Smallhoover, Kathie D. Claret, and Timothy C. Blank.