New Historical Timeline
1940s
4 ATTORNEYS 1 OFFICE
1946
Samuel Blank and William Rudenko form Blank & Rudenko.
History
BReaks
Blank Rome was formed in 1946 by attorneys who, because of their religion, were barred from joining many established law firms. Our founders’ vision for our Firm was of a place where people of diverse backgrounds could gather to practice law.
1950s
20 ATTORNEYS 1 OFFICE
1957
Edwin Rome served as counsel for Aaron “Treetop” Turner, a pro bono client on Pennsylvania’s Death Row. Mr. Turner was exonerated and freed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
1958
The Firm anticipated the spike in corporate public offerings and expanded its securities practice with Daniel McCauley, a former commissioner of the SEC.
1959
Merged with Brumbelow & Comisky in Philadelphia
1960s
52 ATTORNEYS 1 OFFICE
1961
Merged with Newman & Master in Philadelphia.
1969
Blank, Rome, Klaus & Comisky adopted a formal management structure, appointing Edwin Rome its first Chairman and Marvin Comisky its first Managing Partner.
History
BReaks
Blank Rome’s starting salary for attorneys was $6,500.
1970s
108 ATTORNEYS 2 OFFICES
1970
Blank Rome Comisky & McCauley added specialists in asbestos litigation, municipal finance, healthcare, and environmental law.
Before most “big law” firms, the Firm expanded its white collar practice and added a matrimonial practice.
1980s
213 ATTORNEYS 4 OFFICES
1983
Began to represent Sun Oil spinoff SunGard. SunGard remains a client today.
1984
Merged with Wexler Weisman Forman & Shapiro in 1984, significantly expanding the Firm’s bankruptcy practice.
1988
History
BReaks
Developed capabilities to meet anticipated demand from the aviation and maritime industries and opened additional offices in the Greater Philadelphia region.
1990s
285 ATTORNEYS 9 OFFICES
1990
Jack Bershad was elected Chairman and Marvin Comisky became Chairman Emeritus.
1996
Blank Rome Comisky & McCauley had grown to 230 attorneys serving clients in 42 states.
1998
Combined with Wigman, Cohen, Leitner & Myers, enhancing the Firm’s foothold in Washington, D.C.
History
BReaks
From new offices at One Logan Square, the Firm began its strategic expansion beyond Philadelphia.
2000s
498 ATTORNEYS 9 OFFICES
Mergers & Geographic expansion
Leadership
2000
2002
After serving as special assistant to the President and executive secretary at the White House Office of Homeland Security, Carl Buchholz rejoined the Firm and was named Executive Partner. In 2006 he was named Managing Partner of the Firm, succeeding Fred Blume.
Combined with Dyer Ellis & Joseph, adding intellectual property and maritime leaders and capabilities in Washington, D.C.. Established Blank Rome Government Relations LLC in Washington, D.C
As the Firm grew, our efforts to work collaboratively and in teams to better serve our clients’ needs was formalized with the formation of a practice group structure.
Combined with Shack Siegel Katz & Flaherty in New York
Combined with Healy & Baillie, expanding the Firm’s international Maritime and Commercial practices.
Opened Hong Kong office in October 2006.
2003
2005
2006
After serving as special assistant to the President and executive secretary at the White House Office of Homeland Security, Carl Buchholz rejoined the Firm and was named Executive Partner. In 2006 he was named Managing Partner of the Firm, succeeding Fred Blume.
2008
Alan Hoffman and T. Michael Dyer elected Co-Chairs of the Firm.
The Firm hosted its first Women’s Forum Retreat and Diversity Retreat, bringing together attorneys from across the Firm.
2009
History
BReaks
In 2003 Blank Rome Comisky & McCauley LLP streamlined its name to Blank Rome LLP.
2010s
620 ATTORNEYS 13 OFFICES
Mergers & Geographic expansion
Leadership
2011
Opened Houston office and combined with Houston-based Abrams Scott & Bickley LLP.
Opened Shanghai office to address client needs with business operations around the world, particularly China-based clients with growing consumer and industrial enthusiasm for foreign products and technology.
Started Trial Academy program to provide attorneys with an opportunity to gain trial experience and develop critical trial advocacy skills through a mix of courses, on-their-feet practice, and coaching.
Added attorneys from Janis, Schuelke & Wechsler Law Firm in Washington, D.C.
Expanded Los Angeles office and opened Fort Lauderdale office.
Instituted mandatory pro bono service, requiring a minimum of 25 hours a year in September 2014.
Combined with Wong, Cabello, Lutsch, Rutherford & Brucculeri in Houston, an IP boutique law firm with Fortune 100 clients. Opened Pittsburgh office with five lawyers.
Held the first annual Energy Industry Update during which counsel from the energy industry, industry experts, legislative advisers, and Blank Rome energy attorneys discussed critical issues and matters affecting the energy industry.
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Moved New York offices from The Chrysler Building to 1271 Avenue of the Americas.
Opened Chicago office.
2019
History
BReaks
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation released its 2016 Corporate Equality Index and conferred on Blank Rome a perfect score, designating the Firm as a “Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality.”
PNC Bank, successor to Broad Street Bank, Continental Bancorp, and Midlantic Bank, continues to be among the Firm’s biggest clients.
Blank Rome joined the OnRamp Fellowship, an innovative program that provides women re-entering the legal profession with opportunities to update their skills and legal contacts through one-year, paid positions with top law firms.
Achieved Diversity Lab’s Mansfield Certification, having affirmatively considered at least 30 percent women and attorneys of color for leadership and governance roles, equity partner promotions, and senior lateral positions, to boost the representation of diverse lawyers in law firm leadership.
2020s
640+ ATTORNEYS 14 OFFICES
2020
Continued expansion in key markets and practices. Welcomed 14 laterals—both in person and virtually!
In response to COVID-19, the Firm assembled a cross-practice group of attorneys to support client needs.
Colleagues from all offices seamlessly move to working from home as a result of the global pandemic.
Hosted the Women’s Leadership Summit in a virtual format for the first time.
The Firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee launched “Open Conversations,” a discussion series focused on racial equality topics and issues.
Hosted the Annual Emerging Litigation and Employment Law Issues for In-House Counsel, now in its 16th year, in a virtual format with attendees from across the United States.
Joined the Law Firm Antiracism Alliance and created Pro Bono Working Groups to address the impact of racism on society.
