ALLENTOWN, October 25, 2023 – Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, P.C. (FLB) is pleased to commemorate 35 years of serving businesses and individuals in the Mid-Atlantic region. After opening the firm in 1988 with four attorneys and just a handful of practice areas, the firm now employs 40 attorneys, continually growing and diversifying to better meet the needs of its clients.
“When Joe Fitzpatrick, Joe Bubba and Ed Lentz formed the firm in October 1988, their primary focus was to provide service to what they identified as an emerging regional client base,” says Managing Shareholder Erich J. Schock. “While providing this base with the individual attention needed to solve sophisticated legal challenges, FLB identified its key principles to grow the firm – helping our clients achieve their goals through professionalism, responsiveness, quality legal services and adaptability. Throughout our 35 years, we’ve changed with the times and with our clients, helping to make a significant impact here in the Valley.”
While at the onset, FLB’s work mainly involved Real Estate, Corporate and Estate Law, today, FLB is one of the largest full-service law firms in Pennsylvania, known for its legal authority in Business, Banking, Land Development, Healthcare, Mergers & Acquisitions, International Law, Commercial Litigation, Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights, Estate Planning, Taxation, Employment Law and Family Law. Further, its geographic reach now extends to providing legal services to a regional, national and international client base.
Additionally, FLB has experience in a wide array of sectors, including:
- Banking/Finance
- Food and Beverage
- Healthcare and Medicine
- Higher Education
- Insurance/Risk Management
- Manufacturing
- Municipal/Government
- Nonprofit
- Professional Services
- Real Estate
- Retail
- Sports and Entertainment
- Telecommunications
- Utilities
With a reputation for shaping the landscape of the Lehigh Valley through the development of large commercial projects like Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Stabler Corporate Center, The Promenade Shops of Saucon Valley, PPL Center, and St. Luke’s University Health Network, the firm also partners with countless corporations, developers, and nonprofits for general counsel and to help bring their visions to life.
A CULTURE OF COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY & EMPLOYEES
“We really are part of the community,” says Real Estate and Corporate Attorney Stephanie A. Kobal. “We take that seriously. Not only are our projects out in the community, but our firm as a whole donates time to the community. We are really invested in making the Lehigh Valley a better place, continuing on the great path of growth that’s already been established here.”
On an annual basis, the firm supports more than 50 nonprofit organizations through volunteerism, contributions, sponsorships and board/committee leadership. This year, Shareholders Kate Durso and Erich Schock served as co-chairs of the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley’s annual Volunteer Challenge, during which the firm was voted #1 in the small business category for its Haven House clean-up project.
With over 75 employees, FLB is also a notable employer in the region. Earlier this year, the firm was selected as one of The Morning Call’s “Top Workplaces” for the 10th year in a row. Recently, it was honored with five Lehigh Valley Business Reader Ranking awards for company culture, overall leadership, employee recognition, innovative workplace and training program.
“One of the best things about working at FLB is the culture,” says Jewel Dennis, Legal Administrative Assistant. “We are respected as employees and ensured that no matter our position, everyone’s contribution matters. One thing I appreciate is the increased workplace flexibility policy that lends to a better work-life balance. Also, there are many unexpected extra tokens of appreciation that the firm takes pride in sharing with its employees. They are thoughtful morale boosters that remind us that we are appreciated.”
Several attorneys and company leaders have also been named to Lehigh Valley Business’ Forty Under 40, Women of Influence, Power 100, and Power Legal lists.
Watch FLB’s 35th anniversary video to learn more about the firm’s culture.
NATIONAL AND INDUSTRY RECOGNITIONS
Beyond its local honors and awards, FLB has received many recognitions for its excellence and integrity. Some notable honors include:
- 14 attorneys named as PA Super Lawyers or Rising Stars
- 6 attorneys have earned the Martindale Hubbell Lawyers’ Rating “AV® Preeminent™,” highest professional ranking
- Represented on the list of “Best Lawyers in America” since 2015
- Finalist for Societas Award for Responsible Corporate Conduct
- Ranked #19 of PA law firms for highest percentage of women attorneys (37.5%)
MOVING DOWNTOWN AND UPWARD
In January 2020, FLB opened the doors to its new 20,000 square-foot space on the 8th Floor of Two City Center in downtown Allentown, consolidating its legal and administrative offices under one roof and providing the much-needed space to continue long-term strategic expansion plans.
“Being situated in downtown Allentown helps us attract and retain the best talent while providing new and interesting opportunities for our next generation of leaders,” says Joseph A. Bubba, Shareholder and Co-founder. “We love being part of downtown Allentown’s thriving financial and business center and in close proximity to so many of our clients, as well as centrally located in the Lehigh Valley, allowing us to serve clients here with easy access to the greater Philadelphia area, New York and New Jersey.”
FLB will celebrate its 35th anniversary with special events for its staff!
