by Richard Prior
Staff Writer
The clients and peers of a “15-lawyer litigation boutique” in Jacksonville have ranked it one of four top-tier law firms in the state for the second year in a row.
Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe was recognized for its work in litigating commercial disputes and white-collar crime.
In addition, three of the firm’s partners were singled out as top-tier individuals in their practices. They are Charles Pillans III and John DeVault III in commercial litigation, and Henry Coxe III as a leading litigator in white-collar crime and government investigations.
The results were published in the April edition of “Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.” The Bedell Firm was also named in the top four last year.
Only three other firms in Florida — two in Miami and one in Tampa — share the top commercial litigation spot with Bedell.
“I think a lot of it is about the firm,” said DeVault. “That is where we kind of begin.
“We are all extremely fortunate to be the beneficiaries of a great tradition that began over 100 years ago. This is one of the few small firms that’s stayed together and maintained that excellence over the years.”
Researchers with Chambers USA compiled their information through interviews with private practice attorneys, key in-house counsel and clients. Chambers and Partners, based in London, also publishes “Chambers Global” and “Chambers UK Leading Lawyers.”
The Bedell Firm’s decision to stay small and focused is deliberate. And it played a role in the decision 20 years ago to move into the former City library at 101 E. Adams.
“When we decided to purchase this building,” said Pillans, “we recognized that there were only a limited number of offices here. We had to make the decision whether to stay small and just do work on complex cases, or either expand or merge with a big national firm.
“We decided at that time we were going to stay small, and we did.”
The Bedell firm has also maintained an uncommon closeness among the partners and associates. In the eight years he has been there, Coxe has seen only two lawyers leave, “which is remarkable statistically.”
“I think we have a great relationship among us,” said Pillans. “If you have dissension, you’re not going to stay together. But if you have happiness among the group, this is what happens.”
Pillans came to the firm in 1966. DeVault arrived in 1968.
Four of the firm’s partners have become judges. Earle Zehmer, who is deceased; Bob Smith, who is retired; and Peter Webster, who is still active. All three went to the 1st District Court of Appeals.
Timothy Corrigan became a federal magistrate and is now a U.S. District judge.
The firm has stayed small by not taking on large companies as regular customers, preferring instead a diverse clientele.
“All our work comes through referrals,” said Pillans. “We can, to one extent, control the amount of work we do. We don’t have the need to expand to serve a full-service firm.
“We just do litigation. We can control it, and that helps keep us small.”
Staying small has “absolutely” been the best choice, said DeVault.
“I think it’s that we have an interesting practice,” he said. “We do different kinds of cases. While the firm might not be getting paid as much as some others, everything we do is different and interesting.”
None of the three anticipate tinkering with success by making any substantial changes in the near future.
“The one big change that we made was when Hank came on eight years ago,” said DeVault. “Before that, we had done some white-collar criminal work in federal court. Charlie had. So did Harris Dittmar. And Chester (Bedell) did way back.
“But we never had a state court criminal practice. When Hank came on, we expanded the scope of our practice to include both federal and state criminal work.
“That was a big change. And a good one. It broadened the practice.”
It also attracted enthusiastic young associates and law clerks, DeVault added:
“That’s what you grow up thinking about trial lawyers doing, helping people that have serious, serious problems.”
The firm’s interests and concern reach beyond its client list.
“There are a lot of other firms that do good works in the community, which is great,” said DeVault. “Our primary focus has always been on the Bar and Legal Aid.”
Coxe agreed.
“There are two traditions here,” he said. “One of them is a commitment to the profession in terms of service to the profession.
“Number two is the firm’s commitment to pro bono work and helping Legal Aid deliver legal service. It’s not just a commitment; it’s an expectation.”