The Wilmington law firm of Berger Harris is growing at a time when other practices have frozen hiring or cut back. Despite tough times in its key practice area of commercial real estate, the firm has grown in the last three years from two lawyers to eight.
Partner Benjamin “Buddy” Berger says the downturn actually aided Berger Harris as clients kept a closer eye on expenses and the firm remained flexible on the billing side.
Berger and John G. “Jack Harris, founded the firm in 2009, a difficult period for the Delaware economy. Both have experience at larger Delaware law firms.
That experience has helped the firm navigate a competitive legal market, Berger says.
Berger has worked on large commercial real estate transactions over the years, while also assisting in restructuring and “workouts” for owners with troubled properties. Harris specializes in corporate and real estate issues, including lawsuits and partnership agreements.
Berger says the tougher times contributed to a decision by attorneys to consider joining the firm.
“It’s better than in 2010 and 2011,” Berger says of the real estate industry, although he added that in 2013, it is still a “tenants market.”
The firm has also diversified to other business areas as attorneys brought other areas of expertise.
One example is Michele P. Quinn, who joined the firm late last year. Quinn’s practice focuses primarily on providing advice on Delaware law as it relates to partnerships and limited liability companies.
“It’s not the Jack and Buddy show,” Berger says.
Continued growth and a favorable leasing market have led Berger Harris to move to larger quarters from 1201 N. Orange St. to the I.M. Pei Building at 1105 N. Market St. Looking to the future, Berger sees the firm growing to 12-15 lawyers and perhaps opening another office, Washington, D.C. Is one possibility.
“I don’t see a 25-lawyer firm,” Berger says.
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