Blank
Rome LLP is pleased to announce that Andrew K. Fletcher has joined
the Firm as a Partner in the Commercial
Litigation group in the Pittsburgh office. At Blank Rome, Mr.
Fletcher will serve as a litigator for and counselor to clients,
advising them on their most complex business and intellectual property
disputes. He joins Blank Rome from Pepper Hamilton LLP where he led the
litigation practice in the firm’s Pittsburgh office and served as vice
chair of the firm’s International and Domestic Arbitration practice
group.
“We are very excited to welcome Andy to Blank Rome,” said Alan
J. Hoffman, the Firm’s Chairman and Managing Partner. “Beyond his
significant trial experience, Andy’s understanding of the unique issues
that oil and gas companies face in Pennsylvania, particularly contract
and intellectual property disputes relating to drilling and other
aspects of the industry, will complement our Energy
Industry team. In addition, Andy’s experience as lead counsel in
international and U.S. arbitrations will be a tremendous value-add to
clients across a number of our practices.”
As lead trial counsel, Mr. Fletcher has tried to verdict jury and
non-jury cases before numerous federal and state courts, as well as in
international and domestic arbitrations. Mr. Fletcher’s business
litigation experience spans breach of contract; patent and trade secrets
disputes; breach of fiduciary duty and corporate governance matters;
tortious interference and fraud matters; and breach of warranty and
product liability issues.
“Our litigators help clients reach resolutions on contractual disputes
and provide preventative counsel that focuses on minimizing the business
impact of a potential dispute,” said James
J. Barnes, Partner in Blank Rome's Corporate,
M&A, and Securities group and Administrative Partner of the
Firm's Pittsburgh office. “With more than 25 years of experience, Andy
further bolsters our litigation team, both nationally and in Pittsburgh.
We opened
our Pittsburgh office in 2015 to meet the growing demand for services
from our clients with significant interests in Western Pennsylvania, and
have experienced steady and strategic growth. We are confident that Andy
will help us continue our momentum in the market.”
In addition to providing counsel on complex business disputes, Mr.
Fletcher has extensive experience in oil and gas industry matters,
providing counsel to an industry that remains one of Pittsburgh’s most
significant economic drivers. In this field, Mr. Fletcher has served as
lead counsel on matters including disputes regarding drilling contracts
and supply agreements, patent infringement claims related to water
treatment processes and gas-to-liquids technology, and disputes relating
to the ownership of oil, gas, and mineral rights. He has also advised
Pennsylvania state legislators contemplating legislation relating to the
calculation of royalties paid on gas leases.
“I’m excited to offer my clients the support of a national law firm that
is committed to the Pittsburgh market,” said Mr. Fletcher. “The vitality
in Pittsburgh right now is incredible. The oil and gas industry is
making legacy investments in the region. Pittsburgh’s historic
leadership in manufacturing continues to generate thousands of jobs and
create new opportunities for growth. And the innovation we’re seeing
relating to artificial intelligence and other computer-driven
technologies is making Pittsburgh an exciting destination for both
innovative businesses and young people alike. These same technological
changes will drive innovation in how law firms deliver services to their
clients. It’s an exciting time for Pittsburgh, and the Firm’s commitment
to this region, including its historical strengths and future
opportunities, is very attractive to me and to the clients I serve.”
In line with Blank Rome’s significant commitment
to pro bono and community investment, Mr. Fletcher is actively
engaged with the Pittsburgh community on both a personal and
professional basis. Mr. Fletcher serves as chancellor to the Anglican
Diocese of Pittsburgh, where he provides pro bono legal counsel.
Further, Mr. Fletcher serves as board president for the Pittsburgh
Recovery Center, an advocacy organization committed to education and
treatment center placement for those seeking recovery from addiction. An
avid and lifelong rower, Mr. Fletcher also serves as board secretary for
the University of Virginia Rowing Association. Through Blank Rome’s pro
bono program, Mr. Fletcher will continue to make a substantive impact in
the local community and beyond.
Mr. Fletcher earned his J.D. from the University of Virginia, and his
B.A. from Yale University.
About Blank Rome LLP
Blank Rome is an Am Law 100 firm with 13 offices and more than 600
attorneys and principals who provide comprehensive legal and advocacy
services to clients operating in the United States and around the world.
Our professionals have built a reputation for their leading knowledge
and experience across a spectrum of industries, and are recognized for
their commitment to pro bono work in their communities. Since our
inception in 1946, Blank Rome’s culture has been dedicated to providing
top-level service to all of our clients, and has been rooted in the
strength of our diversity and inclusion initiatives. For more
information, please visit blankrome.com.
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