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The law firm of Duane Morris announced in recent days that Jonathan M. Petrakis and J. Colin Knisely have joined as partners in the Trial Practice Group, in the firm’s Philadelphia office.
Both join from Deeb Petrakis Blum & Murphy P.C.; there, Petrakis was the founding member and president.
John J. Soroko, Chairman and CEO of Duane Morris was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “We are thrilled to have Jon join Duane Morris. He and his group will add to Duane Morris’ significant national practice in the area of counseling for banks and other financial institutions.”
Matthew A. Taylor, Chairman of Duane Morris’ Trial Practice Group was quoted as saying: “Jon is a well-known entity in the business community of Philadelphia who has developed a very impressive client base, not only in the financial institutions and banking world, but also in the general business community. He is a true problem solver for clients who look to Jon and his team in significant matters that are important to their respective businesses. Jon has an infectious personality and is well-liked. What I’m the most excited about regarding Jon’s joining the firm is to see him take advantage of our national and international platform, and I truly believe the sky’s the limit for him and his team to grow their practice.”
With more than 25 years of both litigation and transactional experience, the focus of Petrakis’ practice is the representation of banks and other lenders.
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He works on implementing strategies to pursue recovery of commercial loans in actions against defaulting borrowers and guarantors. These include bankruptcy litigation, creditors’ rights litigation outside of bankruptcy, debt restructure agreements and debtor-in-possession financing. In addition, he represents banks and other lenders in matters regarding commercial loans, including mortgage, asset-based, and construction loans.
Petrakis also represents a variety of businesses, including manufacturers, retailers, and professional groups in employment law matters, contract disputes, and other business torts. In addition, he provides counsel to clients on matters involving the negotiation and preparation of commercial real estate agreements of sale and leases, employment agreements, and other types of contracts.
Colin Knisely focuses his practice on the representation of clients in commercial litigation, including torts, employment, professional liability matters, and insurance coverage matters. In addition, he provides representation for both lawyers and law firms in legal malpractice actions, grievance and disciplinary proceedings. He also represents companies in all areas of employment law, including discrimination claims, wrongful terminations and other disputes. Too, he represents accountants, architects, insurance agents and brokers, and directors and officers in professional liability, fraud, discrimination and other matters.
Ashley A. Federer and Louise Melchor also join Duane Morris as associates in the Trial Practice Group.
The focus of Ashley A. Federer’s practice is on business reorganization and bankruptcy, creditors’ rights, loan restructuring and commercial finance.
Louise Melchor focuses her practice on commercial real estate financing transactions and creditors’ rights, including loan restructuring; asset recovery; and bankruptcy representation.
Duane Morris LLP 
is a full-service law firm with over 700 attorneys in offices nationally and internationally.
