Saul Ewing LLP today announced that the firm is again growing its local presence with the addition of a top complex commercial litigator; two construction industry litigators; and a well-regarded transactional lawyer. These additions follow building the Pittsburgh office since the beginning of the year with the additions of five attorneys including a prominent energy/environmental partner and four ERISA and employee benefits attorneys.
The new lawyers increase the number of attorneys in the firm’s Pittsburgh office, which opened in May 2012, from nine to 13.
The new attorneys are Charles Kelly, Joseph H. Bucci, Kevin B. Acklin and Ericson P. Kimbel. Each one possesses distinct legal skill sets in litigation and corporate law that will significantly strengthen and increase the firm’s capabilities in a myriad of areas. Mr. Kelly and Mr. Bucci join as partners in the Litigation Department; Mr. Acklin joins as a partner in the Business and Finance Department and Mr. Kimbel joins as special counsel in the Litigation Department. They were previously with the Pittsburgh office of Leech Tishman LLP.
“From Day One, we knew this talented team would be a superb fit for our Pittsburgh office,” said Managing Partner David S. Antzis. “Their experience in complex litigation serving numerous industries in courts across the country, combined with their experience in M&A, venture capital and private equity deals, and their considerable devotion to the Pittsburgh community dovetails with Saul Ewing’s culture and our plan for continued smart growth.”
Speaking on behalf of the new attorneys, Mr. Kelly credited Saul Ewing’s strong East Coast presence and its highly regarded commercial litigation practice; its involvement in dozens of industries and its multiple corporate capabilities with the team’s decision to join the Firm. “We are excited to enhance the litigation and corporate legal services we can offer clients both in Pittsburgh and the western part of the Commonwealth, as well as nationwide. We’re thrilled to be part of Saul Ewing’s growing, excellent reputation in Pittsburgh.”
About the attorneys:
Charlie Kelly is a highly regarded litigator with extensive experience handling media, healthcare and complex commercial litigation. He litigates cases in federal, state and bankruptcy courts. He counsels clients in complex litigation, including breach of contract, tort, quasi-contract, fraud, negligent misrepresentation, copyright, trademark, trade name, libel, shareholder disputes, labor advice and non-compete and trade regulation/anti-trust claims. His clients, ranging from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies, operate in numerous industries, including food and pharmaceutical distribution, media, healthcare, specialty scrap, automotive and energy. Mr. Kelly earned his undergraduate degree from Fordham University in 1978; his Master’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University in 1979 and his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1986.
With more than 35 years in the construction, development and real estate industries, Joe Bucci represents contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, owners, developers, architects, engineers, sureties and property managers in construction related matters. What makes Joe particularly attuned to the construction industry is his hands-on experience prior to becoming an attorney. He was a journeyman steamfitter, an estimator, a project engineer, a construction manager and a designer/builder. He also has served as in-house counsel to a large general construction company. Having been on the other side of the industry, Joe offers clients technical insight and a well-rounded perspective when resolving the legal issues associated with construction projects. He graduated from the Steamfitters Apprenticeship Program, Allegheny County Community College in 1980; he earned his undergraduate degree, cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh in 1979, and his law degree from Duquesne University School of Law in 1988.
Kevin Acklin is a corporate lawyer with extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, particularly when dealing with private equity and venture capital transactions. He advises his clients on debt and equity financings, securities, technology, emerging company formation and growth, and corporate governance issues. He also is active in Pittsburgh’s nonprofit community with numerous board positions. He has provided pro bono representation to victims of domestic violence in protection from abuse matters. He earned his undergraduate degree, cum laude, from Harvard College in 1998; and his law degree, cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center in 2001.
Eric Kimbel focuses his practice on legal construction matters, including litigation, arbitration and mediation. He represents subcontractors, contractors, design-builders, owners, and construction managers on both public and private projects in commercial, federal contracting, industrial, institutional, heavy and highway, and oil and gas construction. He has prosecuted and defended mechanics’ liens, bond claims and payment claim matters and is skilled in negotiating and drafting construction contracts of all types. He earned his undergraduate degree from Methodist University in 1992; his Master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs in 1999 and his law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1999.
