von Briesen & Roper's innovative spirit dates back to 1904, when Ernst von Briesen opened his doors and displayed a window sign that read “Advocate.” When a new financial institution was founded in his neighborhood, Ernst and his team began a long-term relationship that continues to this day. Ernst's firm counseled clients through World War I and the depression, concentrating on business and commercial matters, banking, estate planning and probate as well as other personal legal work for individual clients. As the years passed and his clients' needs grew, so too did the firm and the vision of its members.

Our firm grew significantly in the areas of Municipal and School Law. Today the firm enjoys a national reputation in the representation of school and municipal clients. Our leadership in the areas of desegregation, teacher and student discipline and civil rights are recognized by school districts and municipalities in the ever-changing world of education.

Our Labor and Employment practice grew as the needs of our clients demanded expertise in union negotiations, contract disputes, employment claims and related services.

Ernst's first banking relationship in the early 1900s established the basis for continued growth and development in our banking and commercial transactions practice. Today our firm handles complex transactions, real estate, commercial lending, workouts, bankruptcy, and creditors' rights matters for many of the largest and most prestigious lending institutions in the country.

Our concentration in health care dates back to the 1950s and the development of complex health care delivery systems. Our health care practice ranks among national leaders in its ability to serve hospitals, delivery systems, long-term care facilities and physician practices in regulatory and operational issues.

Our century old commitment to business and commercial matters has expanded into new services including technology, environmental and securities while keeping apprised of the standards to new developments in mergers and acquisitions, corporate structure, corporate government, contracts, immigration and compensation and benefits.

Our general litigation practice was founded on the concept of "advocacy." Throughout our 100 year history our lawyers have appeared in state and federal courts in the most complex and important matters. Our trial lawyers advocate for clients in such diverse areas as product liability, toxic tort, antitrust, insurance, environmental, construction and legal and medical malpractice defense.

With the strength and ability to provide comprehensive legal services, our firm continues to grow and its clients continue to prosper.