Jump To Navigation

Our Approach

All competent law firms work hard on behalf of their clients. But hard work, by itself, is not enough. Often, it's the approach, not just the effort, that really counts. Here are some of the key guideposts that characterize our approach to the client matters that are entrusted to us.

We reject the “corporatization” of the practice of law.

The attorney-client relationship is not supposed to be a “let the buyer beware” or a “charge as much as you can get away with” relationship. Regrettably, the corporate model used by so many law firms violates these fundamentals. Based on Wall Street-style financial metrics, it pressures attorneys to produce unrealistic financial returns on a short term basis. That forces attorneys to do what attorneys are not supposed to do: financial production becomes primary; everything else is secondary; and the attorney-client relationship becomes something it was never intended to be.

From the start, our business plan focused on creating client satisfaction over the long term, as opposed to generating as much income as we can from each client each month. Our rates, as compared to the so-called “big firms,” reflect this approach. The idea was to create an ever-increasing body of continuing client relationships—satisfied, loyal clients who knew that we considered them to be our partners, not just fee producers, and on which we could depend for our professional success.

Our approach has worked: over the last two decades we have grown and prospered along with our clients, and we've been well compensated—in many forms—for the choices we've made.

We really focus on the prevention of litigation.

Lots of law firms say it. We really do it. It’s a passion. See the Preventive Law and Risk Management Services section of the website for more details.

For more than 20 years we have pioneered the field of “preventive law”—stated simply, we concentrate on stopping legal problems before they get started. Our attorneys have written nationally-published books and articles on the subject. We conduct risk management and claims avoidance seminars for companies and business groups throughout the country. We train managers, supervisors and executives at large and small companies in preventive law techniques. We conduct “legal audits” that expose potential problems before they cause harm. We regularly advise the members of national and regional trade and professional associations.

We reject the dominant trend toward sub-specialization in the law.

Whether in litigation, transactional or business and personal planning contexts, we think the rush toward lawyer sub-specialization is wrong-headed.

Many business law firms have become amalgams of individual sub-specialists who cannot see beyond the walls of their sub-specialties. This is dangerous: sub-specialists provide valuable services, but they inherently lack an understanding of the “big picture,” and while fixing problems in one area, they can unwittingly create problems in other areas.

We approach client relationships differently. We start with the belief that a lawyer cannot meet a client’s needs until the lawyer achieves an integrated understanding of the whole client, not just pieces of the client. Where permitted by the client, we therefore assign a lawyer with the broad-based ability and experience to assess the whole of the client’s issues and circumstances, and only then do we make the decision of whether, and how, to draw on our extensive network of sub-specialists, both inside and outside our firm. This, we believe, provides our clients with the best of both worlds.

We understand that law firms are service businesses.

Our attorneys understand that they are not just professionals, they are service professionals. There’s a difference.

We have grown because our clients consider us their partners. We are not deal breakers. We do not pour fuel on fires. We know the importance of proactive communication. We return calls. We keep you advised. We are amenable to sensible, alternative fee arrangements that involve risk sharing and accountability. If you need it by Wednesday, that’s when you’ll have it.

We manage overhead and costs by leveraging technology.

We make it our business to stay on the leading edge of the technologies that create efficiencies and reduce overhead.

  • We use the most advanced law firm software in all aspects of our practice, from legal research to litigation management, and we use professional trainers to make certain that our attorneys know how to use the tools we give them.
  • We electronically capture and catalogue our attorneys’ work product on central servers so that it’s available to all attorneys in the firm. We can tap into our knowledge bases wherever we are, even on a Blackberry or similar device. We do not reinvent wheels.

The result is that our overall cost of doing business is less, we work more quickly and efficiently, and it all gets passed on to our clients.

Problems Prevented and Solved

Successful settlement of action against architect in multi-phase condominium project - read more

Successful resolution of claim by business buyer against business seller - read more

$37 million verdict in contractor/municipality dispute - read more

Acquisition of industrial property requiring environmental remediation - read more

Representation of retail distributor in acquisition of store locations - read more

Successful defense of computer hardware manufacturer - read more

Six-figure settlement for manufacturing firm against consultants - read more

Negotiation and finalization of software transfer transaction - read more

Representation of manufacturing entity in asset-based lending transaction - read more

Examples of "preventive law" advice provided to clients - read more

Representation of numerous companies in structuring reductions in force - read more

Defense verdict in favor of lift manufacturer - read more

Successful resolution of multi-million dollar hotel water intrusion/mold growth claim - read more

Successful defense in architectural malpractice claim involving medical facility - read more

Defense verdict for accounting firm in "deepening insolvency" case - read more

Successful defense of employee's pregnancy discrimination and family leave act claims - read more

Acquisition, financing and development of manufacturing facility - read more

Successful enforcement of covenant not to compete - read more

Defense verdict in whistleblower/wrongful termination claim - read more

Successful representation of design professional in historic building damage claim - read more

Successful resolution of gender and race discrimination claim - read more

Creation of ESOP as part of founder's succession plan - read more

Updating estate planning documents reveals major flaws - read more

Successful defense of unfair competition action - read more

Successful settlement in favor of architect on highway design claim - read more

Representation of company in the negotiation and drafting of executive employment agreements - read more

Successful resolution of claim against architectural firm involving design of concert hall - read more

Successful resolution of quadriplegia personal injury claim against college - read more

Successful settlement of architectural malpractice claim in roof collapse case - read more

Successful defense of electrical product manufacturer - read more

Successful negotiation with the IRS to eliminate mounting interest and penalties for estate heirs - read more

Creative estate tax planning for the owner of a Subchapter S Corporation - read more

Successful resolution of sexual harassment claim - read more

Negotiation of a multi-million dollar statewide strategic sourcing contract - read more

Successful resolution of a deficient design claim for a designer and construction manager of a warehouse distribution facility - read more

Successful resolution of shareholder buy/sell claim - read more

"Our first contact with the Powell Trachtman firm was through our E&O Insurance carrier as support for a potential frivolous claim. We were so impressed with the professional, clear, and cost conscious manner in which they handled our case that we have since retained Powell Trachtman to represent our firm in all our contractual reviews and support. Their depth of knowledge in the AEC field has truly been a blessing and we have referred them to many of our other business associates."

Vaughn G. Silar, Jr., PE, MBA, LEED AP
President
Paragon Engineering Services, Inc.

Read other client comments



"Powell Trachtman came highly recommended to me by one of my largest personal and corporate clients in a major employment contract dispute. I was immediately made extremely comfortable in the most stressful period of my professional career. Being a hands-on individual, I was heavily involved in most every step of the process. Not only was their professional competence as excellent as advertised but it is the personal communication which made the difference. I would recommend Powell Trachtman (and have) to anyone."

Rick S. Wayne, CFA
Partner
Portfolio Manager/Strategy
Coho Partners, Ltd.



"Please accept my appreciation and gratitude for Powell Trachtman's outstanding services over the years. Your diverse team of experts has been extremely helpful, efficient and cost effective. It is great that we have been able to call your office for various types of legal advice and get an answer right away, without incurring a huge bill."

"People (right or wrong) have a negative impression of attorneys. Powell Trachtman is to be commended for changing that perception. It was rather refreshing to experience the Powell Trachtman team putting our best interest at the forefront instead of concentrating on its potential fees. The firm’s valuable advice throughout the years has saved us time, aggravation and money. With Powell Trachtman at our side, we have been more informed, proactive and have had peace of mind. I would absolutely recommend your organization to whomever is in need of your legal services."

Moses Javan
President
Javan Engineering



“Powell Trachtman's availability of attorneys to consult with our company on a variety of subjects is unparalleled. In addition, their response time to our varied needs has been excellent. Powell Trachtman's knowledge of the law is an integral component of my company's success.“

Rennie Keating, President
Shingle Belting Company



“As a law firm that concentrates on major personal injury cases, we need a law firm to which we can refer our clients when they need representation in commercial matters. Without hesitation, we refer them to the Powell Trachtman firm. Their zealous, yet economically prudent, representation of our clients is second to none. Indeed, while our law firm could choose any law firm to represent its interests or that of its clients in business and commercial litigation matters, we choose Powell Trachtman. They are simply the best.”

Peter M. Villari
Managing Shareholder
Villari, Brandes & Kline, P.C.

Contact Us

475 Allendale Road, Suite 200
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Phone: 610-354-9700
Fax: 610-354-9760
Directions to King of Prussia Office
email us

1814 East Route 70, Suite 350
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Phone:856-663-0021
Fax: 856-663-1590
Directions to Cherry Hill Office
email us

114 North Second Street
5th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: 717-238-9300
Fax: 717-238-9325
Directions to Harrisburg Office
email us

651 Holiday Drive
Foster Plaza 5, Suite 300
Pittsburgh, PA 15220
Phone: 412-250-2632
Fax: 412-250-4804
Directions to Pittsburgh Office
email us