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Moments that mattered
Ninety years of history are made up of more than dates and names. They are defined by turning points, choices, and the events that leave a lasting mark on both the world and the people who live through them.
Throughout the decades, McNees Wallace & Nurick has stood alongside clients and communities through times of growth and celebration, as well as moments of challenge and change. Some of these moments were our own, rooted in the life of the firm. Each has shaped who we are and continues to guide the way we serve today.
Our own history is filled with milestones that reflect that same spirit. Open each era below to learn more:
Founding roots and early growth (1912-1959)
- 1912: A foundation of service and innovation
Sterling G. McNees begins his legal career in Apollo, Pennsylvania, serving immigrant communities and building a reputation for trust, accessibility, and client-focused service. - 1920-1923: A new beginning in Harrisburg
Sterling McNees relocates to Harrisburg, gaining experience in state government and soon establishes his own law firm. - 1931: Breaking barriers in legal hiring
Sterling McNees hires Gilbert Nurick, the first Jewish lawyer at a Harrisburg firm, setting a precedent for diversity and inclusion. This progressive move embodied the firm’s foundational values of respect and community leadership during a time when such actions were rare. - 1935: Forging a historic partnership
Sterling McNees, Gilbert Nurick, and Charles Hollinger form a law firm partnership in Harrisburg. - 1937: Securing a major client
Milton Hershey engages the firm, beginning a decades-long relationship with one of Pennsylvania’s most iconic institutions. - 1942: Expanding the leadership team
David M. Wallace joins as a named partner, cementing the firm’s enduring name and community ties during a pivotal era. - 1944-1949: Elevating professional leadership
Both Wallace and Nurick serve as presidents of the Dauphin County Bar Association, underscoring the firm’s leadership and influence within the legal community. - 1950: Diversifying services and enduring loss
The firm expands into real estate, financial services, and estate planning to meet evolving client needs. The untimely passing of Ralph Evans, a promising young lawyer, marks the first of several personal losses that would profoundly shape the firm’s culture, fostering a lasting commitment to mentorship and support.
Expansion, innovation, and community leadership (1960-1989)
- 1960s-1970s: Broadening legal horizons
The firm continues to diversify its practice, expanding into new areas such as litigation, government affairs, environmental law, education, and labor and employment. - 1967: Establishing a lasting home
The firm leases office space from Capital Blue Cross at 100 Pine Street, Harrisburg, marking a step toward permanence and growth. This location would become the firm’s long-term headquarters. - 1968-1970: Cultivating leadership from within
James King and Frank Haas, who would later become managing partner and firm historian, served as Dauphin County Bar Association presidents, continuing the tradition of McNees attorneys holding key leadership roles in the legal community. - 1971: Defending civil liberties – The Harrisburg Seven case
In a landmark moment, the firm served as local counsel in the Harrisburg Seven case, defending constitutional rights in a turbulent era. - Mid-1970s: A new era of modernization
Under Frank Haas’ leadership, the firm embraces modernization, renewing its focus on ethics, innovation, and active community involvement. - 1977: Expanding beyond Pennsylvania
The firm opens a Washington, D.C. office, marking its first expansion outside Pennsylvania. Though this location closed temporarily, its reopening in 1996 signals McNees’ commitment to a broader presence. - 1989: Investing in our future
The firm purchases the 100 Pine Street building, affirming our roots in Harrisburg. By decade’s end, the firm grows to 62 lawyers, cementing its status as a leading law firm with a strong community presence.
Regional growth and modernization (1990-2010)
- 1996: Expanding to the nation’s capital
McNees reopens its Washington, D.C. office, renewing its presence at the heart of government. - 1999: Commitment to independence
After several discussions with larger law firms, the partnership affirms its decision to remain independent and grow organically. - 2002: Expanding to Central Pennsylvania – State College
The State College office opens to better serve the region’s educational institutions and business community. - 2004: Expanding to Central Pennsylvania – Lancaster
The Lancaster office opens, extending the firm’s reach and strengthening client service across Central Pennsylvania. - 2009: Leadership recognized
Chairman David Kleppinger is named Executive of the Year, honoring his leadership and vision during a period of strategic growth. - 2010: A legacy of growth and service
The firm celebrates its 75th anniversary with a year of charitable projects, reaffirming its longstanding commitment to service.
Continued expansion of reach and services (2011-present)
- 2016: Expanding into Maryland – Frederick office
McNees opens its Frederick, Maryland office, marking its entry into a new state. - 2019: Strengthening South Central PA – York office
The York office opens with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Governor Tom Wolf, deepening the firm’s civic and economic presence in the region. - 2019: Entering Greater Philadelphia – Devon office
The Devon office opens, expanding access to clients in one of the nation’s most dynamic legal markets. Since then the office has expanded further and relocated to its new home in Radnor, still serving the Greater Philadelphia area. - 2020: Adapting to a global crisis
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the firm swiftly pivoted to remote operations, ensuring uninterrupted client service. The firm embraces new technologies and hybrid work structures. - 2021: Expanding access to legal services
Launch of the Legal Equity Advancement Program (LEAP), offering legal services to underrepresented businesses and entrepreneurs. - 2023: Strengthening alumni connections
McNees launches alumni program, building a lasting network to foster mentorship, collaboration, and shared pride in the firm’s legacy and future.
Expanding beyond the law
In recent years, McNees has grown not only in size but also in the scope of services we offer. Recognizing that clients face challenges that extend beyond legal matters, we have launched a family of ancillary businesses to provide integrated solutions.
- 2020 – Apollo Communications: Strategic communications and public relations, including reputation management, media relations, and crisis response.
- 2020 – Keystone Municipal Solutions: Administrative, operational, and compliance guidance for local governments.
- 2021 – Keystone Advisors: A joint venture with McNees and Boyer & Ritter, offering guidance on all aspects of buying and selling automotive dealerships.
- 2022 – HR Influenced: Human resources consulting, including compliance, talent strategy, and culture building.
- 2023 – Pine Street Land Company: Comprehensive real estate development services, from land use strategy to acquisition support.
- 2024 – McNees Government Relations: Legislative strategy and policy advocacy for clients across industries.
- 2025 – Brandcircle: Integrates brand development with intellectual property protection, offering strategy, creative design, and legal safeguards to build bold, cohesive brands.
This expansion reflects McNees’ commitment to delivering holistic solutions that help clients navigate complex challenges beyond traditional legal services.
A legacy shared by moments
These milestones in our history are more than markers in time. They represent the decisions, opportunities, and challenges that have shaped who we are. They reflect the trust our clients have placed in us, the dedication of our people, and the lasting connections we have built within the communities we serve.
As we honor these moments, we also recognize that they lay the foundation for moments yet to come. Moments that will continue to define McNees for generations.
Share your #McNees story
Whether you’re a current McNees’er, former colleague, client, or friend of the firm, we’d love to hear from you. Share your favorite McNees memory, photo, or milestone on LinkedIn or Facebook using the hashtag #McNees as we celebrate 90 years together.
Explore the McNees history book
Dive into the full story in our commemorative history book, highlighting key moments from our founding in 1935.
