Francis Pileggi Interviewed by Delaware Law Weekly About Joining Lewis Brisbois, Launching Its Presence in Delaware

Wilmington, Del. (May 8, 2020) - Partner Francis G.X. Pileggi, who recently joined Lewis Brisbois to set up the firm’s Wilmington office, was interviewed by Delaware Law Weekly (part of Law.com) for an article about his move to the firm.

Mr. Pileggi, who will serve as a partner in Lewis Brisbois’ Complex Business & Commercial Litigation Practice and as managing partner of the new Wilmington office, told Delaware Law Weekly, “I just saw this as an opportunity that provided many more avenues for growth.” He explained that he had worked with Lewis Brisbois as its Delaware counsel for many years, noting, “They told me that having a Delaware office, which they did not have, would be a perfect fit.” Indeed, Mr. Pileggi commented that although Lewis Brisbois had developed a vast national presence, it had “not one member of the Delaware bar,” until now.

As the article notes, Mr. Pileggi has joined Lewis Brisbois from Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, where he served as the member-in-charge of that firm’s Wilmington office. Prior to that, he founded the Wilmington office of Fox Rothschild. Associate Chauna Abner and Mr. Pileggi’s longtime administrative assistant have also joined Lewis Brisbois from Eckert Seamans.

Mr. Pileggi told Delaware Law Weekly that he has arrived at Lewis Brisbois with not only his colleagues, but also his clients. He shared that longstanding clients of his have agreed to move their work to Lewis Brisbois and that his workload will likely increase in light of the firm’s new Delaware location. In discussing his clients, who include Bass Pro Shops and Travelers Casualty and Surety Co. of America, Mr. Pileggi noted, “I’ve always had enough of my own book of business to keep me busy.”

Recognizing that “it’s an unusual time to make a change” due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Pileggi nevertheless explained that because Lewis Brisbois’ Wilmington office had so few people, he and his colleagues were able to access it without violating any state rules. “We can maintain social distancing, and we’re wearing face masks,” he said.

Mr. Pileggi further noted that even with pandemic-related court closures, he has continued to manage a steady stream of work. He has even noticed an increase in work during recent weeks, as Delaware courts are continuing to accept new filings and to hold remote proceedings, he explained. Indeed, Mr. Pileggi will be participating in an upcoming virtual trial.

You can read the full article, titled “Lewis Brisbois Opens in Delaware, Tapping Pileggi from Eckert Seamans,” on Law.com (subscription required). Additional coverage can be found on Law360 (subscription required) and Delaware Business Now.