Eckert Seamans Appoints New Pittsburgh Office Leadership
November 1, 2023
National law firm Eckert Seamans has appointed new leadership in its Pittsburgh office. Effective November 1, 2023, Member David Strasser will serve as the Pittsburgh office Member-In-Charge and Associate Gretchen Panchik will serve as Co-Office Chair. David and Gretchen will work together closely to oversee the direction of the office, as well as advise on administrative matters, events, and pro bono and volunteer opportunities.
“We are excited to see David and Gretchen step into official leadership roles for one of our largest offices,” said Scott Cessar, Chief Executive Officer of Eckert Seamans. “David has been a dedicated Member with our firm for over two decades, and we know he will offer strong guidance in his new position. We also look forward to Gretchen stepping in and sharing fresh knowledge and leadership ideas, as she continues to build her practice as one of our many talented Associates.”
David Strasser has been with Eckert Seamans for 25 years, focusing his practice on insurance coverage and commercial litigation matters. David has litigated and managed a wide variety of environmental, toxic tort, and product insurance coverage claims and negotiated settlements. In addition, he has extensive experience dealing with foreign and domestic insolvent insurers and is a member of the creditors’ committee of a number of insolvent London Market Companies.
Gretchen Panchik focuses her practice on a broad range of commercial litigation and insurance recovery matters. She drives an active litigation practice representing public and private companies and counsels clients through risk management concerns with a focused reduction on operational and business impacts. Gretchen also provides legal counsel for clients in contract disputes and mass tort litigation.
Eckert Seamans’ Pittsburgh office was founded in 1958 and today includes more than 80 attorneys with areas of focus spanning the firm’s more than 50 practice areas. The office’s leadership transition takes place as the firm continues to celebrate its 65th Anniversary through the end of 2023.