Legal News

Hickton Takes Office as Western Pa. U.S. Attorney, Former Firm Changes Name

By Brian Harris

By Zack Needles
of the Legal Staff

David J. Hickton, one of the five founding members of Pittsburgh-based litigation, transportation and business law firm Burns White & Hickton, was formally sworn in Aug. 12  as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, one week after securing confirmation to the post  on Aug. 5 .

?I am grateful for the confirmation by the United States Senate,? Hickton said in a press release. ?I look forward to assuming office and the opportunity to work with the excellent professionals in the United States Department of Justice and the United States Attorney?s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and, indeed, all of the dedicated law enforcement personnel who are diligently serving to protect and maintain our safety and well-being.?

Hickton, 54, was nominated by President Obama on May 20 to take over the U.S. Attorney's Office in Pittsburgh where he will serve as the top federal law enforcement officer for a 25-county region.

Following Hickton's nomination in May, U.S. Sens. Robert P. Casey Jr. and Arlen Specter, who had joined in recommending Hickton's name to the White House, both offered strong words of praise for the attorney.

Casey, in his statement, said Hickton has "extensive experience in both criminal and civil law," and has "handled many big cases. He has the experience, integrity and judgment to serve the people of Western Pennsylvania and the country with distinction."

Specter concurred, saying that Hickton "has strong credentials and a proven record of integrity."
Attorney Jerry McDevitt of K&L Gates said that Hickton "is an experienced litigator with an excellent reputation, and his appointment will go a long way to restoring the reputation of that office."

Meanwhile, the firm Hickton helped start 23 years ago has changed its name to Burns White, citing a legal obligation to drop Hickton from the nameplate once he became a public official.

Hickton was an executive member of the firm from 1987 to 2008 and was most recenly of counsel.

Full post as published by The Legal Intelligencer Blog on August 13, 2010 (boomark / email).