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From the 9/17 Intelligencer:

Duane Morris Expands Pittsburgh Office

Duane Morris has once again raided Pepper Hamilton's and Buchanan Ingersoll's talent pool to expand its recently established Pittsburgh office. The firm announced the addition of Pepper Hamilton litigation partner Joseph T. Moran and Buchanan Ingersoll bankruptcy partners Joel M. Walker and Philip J. Uher. Two associates, D. Troy Blair and Bradley J. Walent, are also joining the Pittsburgh office.

"Joe, Joel and Phil offer strong experience in areas of complex litigation and bankruptcy that complement our national practices in these areas," Duane Morris chairman Sheldon Bonovitz said in a statement. "Their addition also helps us to provide a greater array of legal services here in Pittsburgh."

Duane Morris announced the official opening of its Pittsburgh office in early August, with the original group consisting of former Pepper Hamilton litigators George M. Medved, James P. Hollihan and David A. Scotti and Buchanan Ingersoll corporate partner A. Bruce Bowden. All four entered Duane Morris as partners.

At the time the office opened, Bonovitz said the firm would quickly expand the Pittsburgh office to as many as 25 attorneys by the end of the year. Sources familiar with the situation said Duane Morris has been exceptionally aggressive in seeking other partner candidates from various firms in Pittsburgh. In addition, Bonovitz said the firm would be adding several associates as well as two government affairs professionals, the latter under the leadership of former Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Mark Singel, a principal in the firm's government affairs affiliate, Public Affairs Management.

Moran focuses his practice on commercial and technology-based litigation, First Amendment/media law and technology/Internet counseling (e-commerce, IT contracts, privacy, identity theft, and Web and workplace technology planning and policy work).

Moran is a 1986 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

Uher concentrates his practice in bankruptcy and creditors' rights issues, including workouts and restructurings. He has represented both debtors and creditors, including secured lenders, lessors and creditors' committees in matters related to plans of reorganization, asset purchases, prosecution of claims and avoidance actions. The 1991 University of Pittsburgh School of Law graduate has played a significant role in commercial bankruptcies such as those involving the Pittsburgh Penguins and Forman Enterprises.

Walker's practice focuses on creditors' rights and business law. His bankruptcy and workout practice encompasses a wide variety of issues. Additionally, the 1977 University of Pittsburgh School of Law graduate serves as general outside counsel for several emerging businesses, providing legal advice and business counseling.