US law firms merge
MIAMI-based Houck Anderson has merged with the Chartwell Law Offices in an effort to expand its marine-based practices to the entire eastern seaboard, writes Liz McMahon.
The firm now has 85 attorneys practicing principally in first-and third-party insurance cover, casualty, employment and commercial litigation. With the addition of the Houck Anderson attorneys, Chartwell now has 13 lawyers in its Florida offices.
Mark Houck, founder of the firm, and now managing partner of Chartwell’s Florida operations and maritime practice said the move was an important new chapter for Houck Anderson.
“We have worked hard to gain the respect of the maritime industry, and to be a leader in this arena. The timing of this merger is perfect as it gives us the opportunity to use Chartwell’s positioning to expand our marine-based practices to the entire eastern seaboard, while Chartwell can increase its footprint in the important Florida market.”
Mr. Houck added that the two firms shared important contacts in the London insurance market. “This merger is a great fit,” he said.
The merged firm will operate under the Chartwell name. Chair of Chartwell’s insurance practices and property section Chris Troy said an expanded Florida presence was important to Chartwell’s domestic, European and London clientele.
“We handle major property and catastrophe work around the world and with the addition of the Houck Anderson attorneys we are now better positioned to meet our clients’ needs in Florida and throughout the Gulf coast.”
Chartwell is representing various insurance markets in several dozen major claims stemming from Hurricane Sandy losses. Its practice areas have also expanded to handle toxic tort, creditors’ rights and construction-defect litigation.
Chartwell chief executive Cliff Goldstein said: “We will continue to expand our firm, both geographically and by practice area, whenever we come across talented litigators who are also good people. The team at Houck Anderson certainly fits that bill.”
Houck Anderson was founded in 1992 and focuses on maritime and admiralty law. The firm, which has offices in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, has expanded its practice areas to include general liability, premises, construction, aviation and other defense litigation.
Houck Anderson represents many insurers, P&I clubs, brokers and commercial interests, here and abroad, in matters ranging from super yacht and pleasure-craft liability to international shipping, hull and machinery claims and crew member litigation.
Chartwell Law Offices was founded by four lawyers in 2002. Following rapid growth and the opening of offices in Pittsburgh, Scranton, Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Chartwell expanded into New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Florida.