| Bacon
& Wilson, P.C. History 1895 - Present
Having
celebrated its 110th anniversary in 2005, the law firm of Bacon
& Wilson, P.C. is proud of its historic beginnings, a consistent
involvement in the greater Springfield community and a respected
position in the contemporary legal field. Individual client needs
remain paramount in a demanding era of complex technology, with
partners believing that the practice of law is an honored profession.
High quality services and effective management have resulted in
solid growth, with strong relationships formed between members of
the firm and their clients. This reflects early aspirations held
by the founders of the firm.
George A. Bacon opened his law practice on June
17,1895. He laid the groundwork for a highly specialized law practice
with a focus on corporate and business law. As his practice flourished,
he ventured into the political arena and continued to be very active
in local and state government throughout the duration of his life.
He was the founder of the Commercial Law League of America and Director
of the Massachusetts Bureau of Statistics, in addition to receiving
many other distinctions. For the next sixty years, Bacon's firm
consisted of three partners, then it started to grow in 1966 with
the addition of Paul Salvage as an associate. Michael Katz followed
in 1974 and Gary Fialky joined in 1975.
The
Wilson side of Bacon & Wilson started with Peter Wilson in 1945.
He inherited his firm from two previous owners and built a thriving
Real Estate and Probate practice. George Keady joined Wilson's firm
in the early 1950's and Michael Ratner joined in 1966. Mr. Wilson
eventually retired and Mr. Keady became a Superior Court judge,
leaving Michael Ratner as the only remaining partner with several
associates in his office.
In 1979 the two firms of George Bacon and Peter
Wilson merged. With twelve lawyers, they became one of the largest
and most distinguished firms in Springfield. The synergy of the
two firms resulted in powerful growth. Now well rounded to include
corporate, business, real estate and probate law, the firm became
an even more prominent and respected legal entity in Western Massachusetts.
In the early 1980s Bacon & Wilson bought Ellis
Title Company. Ellis Title was the premiere abstract and conveyancing
company in Western Massachusetts, with the largest back title base
in the region. This acquisition put Bacon & Wilson at a great
advantage with respect to the real estate front on behalf of clients.
Over the summer of 2003, a significant expansion
occurred. Rapid growth necessitated the acquisition of additional
space from an adjacent building, and renovations converted the second
floor of 29 State Street into additional office and conference space
for firm personnel. An air walk between the two buildings was constructed,
with special emphasis on integrating the architectural style of
both buildings in an aesthetically pleasing way. The expansion added
over 6,000 square feet of space, which is occupied by the firm's
Estate Planning/Probate and Litigation departments.
In
January of 2005, the firm merged with Morse and Sacks in Nothampton.
Established in 1901, Morse & Sacks' excellent reputation and
strong focus on client care mirrored Bacon & Wilson's ideology.
This merge facilitated a strong Northampton presence and added two
excellent attorneys to Bacon & Wilson's staff. Shareholder,
Francis R. Mirkin, was chosen to manage the Northampton operation.
In October of 2006, the firm merged with Monsein
and MacConnell in Amherst. Stephen B. Monsein and Peter W. MacConnell
are wonderful complements to the Bacon & Wilson team, offering
compatible legal talents. The Amherst office facilitates the convenience
of our clients east of Northampton.
Today, the firm currently employs approximately
one hundred people, under the direction of Stephen N. Krevalin as
managing partner. As one of Springfield's oldest law firms, its
offices are located in a stately, historic building constructed
in 1910. The firm enthusiastically supports efforts to revitalize
downtown Springfield, and in 1991 a group of the partners purchased
the elegant French Renaissance style building, directly facing the
courthouse, as a concrete demonstration of their commitment. An
exemplary renovation of the historic building took place, recognized
by the Springfield Preservation Trust, and the offices of Bacon
& Wilson remain one of downtown's most admired sites.
Now into its second century of existence, Bacon & Wilson continues
its involvement in civic affairs and contributes to the local community
in many ways. As a result of the opening of branch offices in Westfield,
Northampton and Amherst, Bacon & Wilson now has an expanded
presence and clientele throughout Western Massachusetts. The legacy
begun by its founder, George A. Bacon, has resulted in professional
excellence combined with a strong commitment to the community. The
current team of attorneys and staff blends a wealth of knowledge
and expertise encompassing all aspects of the law. The entire firm
shares pride in the role Bacon & Wilson has played within the
legal profession and the Springfield community for more than one
hundred years, and the Bacon & Wilson family is looking forward
to serving the legal needs of Western Massachusetts and Northern
Connecticut for the next one hundred years.
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