The national law firm Ballard Spahr LLP and Stillman & Friedman, P.C., a Manhattan litigation boutique widely regarded as one of the top white collar criminal defense firms, have formed a new partnership in New York—Ballard Spahr Stillman & Friedman LLP. The partnership, which gives Ballard Spahr its 14th U.S. location and a prominent presence in New York, brings together two firms with dynamic litigation practices and creates a powerful force in white collar defense and securities litigation and enforcement.
The 14 lawyers of Stillman & Friedman, who are now part of Ballard Spahr Stillman & Friedman, have represented public figures, political leaders, and Fortune 500 corporations and executives in a range of high-profile, high-stakes litigation and investigations. The firm’s managing partner is Charles A. Stillman, whose reputation as a tough, no-nonsense trial lawyer has made him one of the most recognized white collar criminal defense attorneys in New York. Mr. Stillman, together with Julian W. Friedman, founded Stillman & Friedman in 1977.
“We took a long view on entering the New York market, a thoughtful approach that would complement our strengths, preserve our values as a firm, and dovetail with our strategy to enhance our litigation platform and our geographic reach,” said Ballard Spahr Chair Mark Stewart. “We are invigorated by the possibilities ahead, not just for litigation but for the expansion of all of our practices—real estate, business and finance, intellectual property, and public finance. We are particularly excited about bringing our lawyers together with Charlie Stillman, Julian Friedman, and the team they have built. They are among the best in the business, and they are genuinely fine people.”
The integrated resources and leveraged capabilities of the two firms position Ballard Spahr Stillman & Friedman as a national leader in white collar defense and complex civil litigation. Attorneys at the firm also have significant experience in securities enforcement and litigation, professional liability, and appellate work.
“We built our reputation on a single principle: to provide to both the largest corporations and our individual clients a total dedication to the highest-quality lawyering and vigorous advocacy, while never losing sight of the human dimension and the practical consequences of the litigation process,” Mr. Stillman said. “I know that Ballard Spahr shares that vision as well as our commitment to outstanding service. This partnership is an excellent fit for both firms and one I know will benefit clients across the board.”
The formation of Ballard Spahr Stillman & Friedman is the latest development in the continuing expansion of Ballard Spahr’s national litigation practice. Last week, the firm welcomed five litigators from Featherstone Petrie DeSisto LLP to its office in Denver. And the firm opened its 13th office in San Diego two years ago with the addition of a team of white collar and commercial litigators from La Bella & McNamara.
“Ballard is home to a strong and successful litigation practice, and the firm will continue to focus on the strategic growth of our national capabilities in that area,” said John Langel, Chair of the firm’s Litigation Department. “Our new colleagues bring added depth to the team. We are thrilled to welcome them to the firm.”
All 14 lawyers from Stillman & Friedman are now part of Ballard Spahr Stillman & Friedman. Those lawyers are: Charles A. Stillman, Managing Partner; Julian W. Friedman, Administrative Partner; Scott M. Himes, partner; Marjorie J. Peerce, partner; John B. Harris, partner; James A. Mitchell, partner; Michael J. Grudberg, partner; Nathaniel Z. Marmur, partner; Brian D. Coad, partner; Mary Margulis-Ohnuma, of counsel; Erik M. Zissu, of counsel; Nathaniel I. Kolodny, associate; Laura P. Wexler, associate; and Elaine K. Lou, associate.
