Kang Haggerty’s Bold Move: A New Blueprint for Boutique Firm Growth

PHILADELPHIA, PA – July 30, 2026 – In a significant move that reverberates through the tri-state legal community, boutique business litigation firm Kang Haggerty LLC announced it has brought on celebrated trial lawyer David L. Braverman and his core litigation team. The team’s transition from Braverman Kaskey, the firm Braverman founded, is more than a standard lateral hire; it is a calculated fusion of seasoned expertise with a dynamic, growth-oriented platform, signaling a new chapter for both parties and offering a compelling case study in strategic expansion.

A Calculated Play for Market Leadership

For Kang Haggerty, this is not merely an expansion of headcount but a deliberate enhancement of its institutional prowess. Founded in 2013, the firm has carved out a formidable reputation in just over a decade. Its recent debut in the prestigious Chambers USA rankings and consistent recognition in the Best Law Firms® list, including national honors for its construction law practice, underscore its ascent. As a certified Minority-Owned Business Enterprise and the largest Philadelphia-based member of the National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF), Kang Haggerty has built its identity on a foundation of excellence and inclusive growth.

The addition of the Braverman team is the next logical step in this trajectory. It represents a powerful injection of talent into the firm’s core business and commercial litigation practice, immediately deepening its bench strength across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Edward T. Kang, Managing Member of Kang Haggerty, framed the move as a perfect alignment of vision and values. "We are thrilled to welcome David and his team to the firm," Kang stated. "Their impressive track record and shared commitment to excellence align perfectly with our firm's values. Together, we will continue to deliver the highest quality of legal services to our clients, fostering growth and success."

This sentiment points to the “why” behind the move. In an era where clients demand deep specialization, Kang Haggerty is doubling down on its expertise. By integrating a team with a proven history in high-stakes construction, banking, and real estate disputes, the firm isn't just growing; it's evolving. It is amplifying its capacity to handle the most complex commercial challenges, positioning itself as a go-to boutique powerhouse in a market often dominated by larger, less specialized entities.

The Braverman Legacy Finds a New Platform

At the heart of this strategic acquisition is David L. Braverman, a litigator whose career spans nearly five decades and is studded with accolades. His curriculum vitae reads like a roadmap of modern commercial litigation. Holder of a Lifetime Achievement Award from Pennsylvania Legal/ALM, continuously listed for over 45 years in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers™, and named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers in America, Braverman brings a level of gravitas that is difficult to replicate.

His track record includes landmark victories that have shaped Pennsylvania law, such as a multimillion-dollar verdict in the state’s seminal case holding a commercial bank liable for breaching its fiduciary duty to a borrower. His international experience is equally impressive, highlighted by a multimillion-dollar recovery from the Uzbekistani government after his client extinguished a wild well fire. This is the kind of experience that builds legends. The resolution of over $150 million in construction claims for a major regional transit authority further cements his reputation as a master of complex, high-value disputes.

Joining him in the move to Kang Haggerty’s 123 South Broad Street offices is a handpicked team that provides comprehensive litigation support. Peter J. Leyh, joining as Of Counsel, is a seasoned trial attorney from Dechert Price & Rhoads with his own history of securing favorable verdicts. Senior Counsel Kevin W. Burdett, a former assistant district attorney and a three-time Pennsylvania Super Lawyers "Rising Star," brings significant courtroom experience. Associate Harrison Fonteix, a Temple Law graduate with trial experience in the Philadelphia and Bucks County District Attorney's offices, adds to the team's dynamic capabilities.

For Braverman, the move is about leveraging this collective experience on a more robust stage. "This move is both a meaningful milestone and an exciting opportunity for our team," he explained. "Kang Haggerty's platform — its technology, staffing, and established practice groups — will let us deliver the same personal attention our clients expect, now backed by a broader foundation and expanded capabilities across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware." His final assurance, "Our office location is changing, but the way we serve our clients will not," speaks to a core principle of effective service: innovation should enhance, not disrupt, the fundamental commitment to the client.

Reshaping the Tri-State Legal Landscape

This high-profile team transition does not exist in a vacuum. It reflects and reinforces several key trends shaping the regional legal market. First, it underscores the continued ascendancy of specialized boutique firms that offer deep expertise without the overhead and bureaucracy of “Big Law.” Clients are increasingly drawn to the focused, partner-level attention that firms like Kang Haggerty provide. This move demonstrates that boutiques can compete for and attract top-tier talent by offering a more agile and culturally aligned environment.

Second, the acquisition highlights the intense activity in the lateral hiring market, where established, cohesive teams are a prime commodity. Rather than recruiting individuals, acquiring a proven unit like Braverman’s allows a firm to integrate a ready-made practice group with existing chemistry and client relationships, providing an immediate return on investment. The fact that Braverman Kaskey P.C. appears to be continuing its operations with its remaining partners suggests this was not a firm dissolution but a strategic realignment, with a key practice group finding a new home that better aligns with its future ambitions.

Finally, the move emphasizes the economic and legal integration of the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware corridor. By explicitly strengthening its tri-state capabilities, Kang Haggerty is responding to the reality that business and litigation frequently cross state lines in this densely populated region. This integration of a top-tier team is a clear signal to the market that Kang Haggerty is not just a Philadelphia firm but a regional litigation force, ready to serve clients wherever their needs arise. This strategic fusion of veteran talent and a forward-thinking platform is a model of institutional innovation that will be closely watched by clients and competitors alike.