Hiscock & Barclay 150th Anniversary Timeline - 2000-2005

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2000 - The firm elects John Langan, then 37, as the youngest Managing Partner in the firm's history. Langan recalls that, "the partners were working hard, but we realized that in order to become a true regional presence the firm had to grow." Under Langan's leadership, the firm embarks on a lateral hiring program which expands the firm's depth in existing areas of practice, develops new areas of expertise, and diversifies the firm's overall client base.

2001 - In March 2001, the 63-year-old Buffalo firm of Williams, Stevens, McCarville and Frizzell, P.C. closes its doors and six of its ten attorneys join Hiscock & Barclay which then employs 22 attorneys in Buffalo.

2002 - Hiscock & Barclay and Saperston & Day, P.C. join together. The Buffalo offices of both firms merge and Hiscock & Barclay acquires Saperston & Day's Rochester office. With the addition of the Saperston & Day attorneys, the firm grows to 140 lawyers statewide.

2002 - Syracuse partner William Barclay is elected to the New York State Assembly from the 124th District, continuing a family and firm tradition of statewide political leadership and public service.

2003 - H. Douglas Barclay is sworn-in as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of El Salvador on November 12, 2003.

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2003 - Barclay is sworn-in as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of El Salvador on Nov. 12, 2003. As a result of the appointment, he resigns from Hiscock & Barclay.

2004 - Attorneys and staff from Bouck, Holloway, Kiernan & Casey, which had been founded in 1946, join the Albany office in January 2004. The addition brings the Albany office total to 26 attorneys.

2004 - Under Langan's leadership, the firm grows to 160 lawyers statewide. In the next five years, Langan sees Hiscock & Barclay continuing its program of strategic growth. "A primary goal of the firm is to become a leading regional firm in the State, which will likely include a substantial presence in New York City and possibly across the border in Canada. Our Upstate offices provide a strong regional platform upon which to build. We have strategic alliances in smaller cities, and a substantial and unique presence in each of our four upstate cities."

The firm recognizes that it must also continue to distinguish itself in the market by accommodating changes in the profession and the economy. As Langan recalls, during his grandfather's day, "you had your lawyer and your lawyer took care of everything." Today, specialization is necessary. "The industry and profession have changed greatly and the reason we have been successful is that this group of partners has been willing to address - and often times get out in front of - those changes. There is a constant pressure facing law firms based on the continued "commoditization" of legal services. We have to be sure that the firm has a value-added component that differentiates us from our competitors." It's exhausting and scary, but it's also exhilarating to be part of an organization that is dedicated to excellence in the delivery of legal services while remaining open to new ideas." says Langan.

The success of the firm lies in its rich history, strong reputation, and the commitment of its partners to the practice of law and to the firm.

"I think the strongest thing about the firm then, and now, is the bond that holds the partners together and an institutional resilience during times of change." This is the strength that has built and sustained the firm's reputation for legal excellence throughout its 150 years.

2005 - Hiscock & Barclay, LLP celebrates its 150th Anniversary.