The firm had its beginnings in 1899, when Robert H. Richards arrived in Wilmington to open his law practice. Next to join was Aaron Finger, who, although he hadn’t attended college or law school, became Mr. Richards’s partner after “reading” for the law under Richards’s supervision. With the addition of Caleb Layton as a partner in 1929, the firm became known as Richards, Layton & Finger.
The firm’s outstanding reputation in corporate law matters began with these founding partners. Since then, our lawyers have played a significant role in many landmark cases that have helped shape the structure of Delaware law, and we have remained at the leading edge of corporate law practice as it has continued to evolve. While our well-earned reputation in corporate law is unsurpassed, Richards Layton has grown into a multidisciplinary law firm, offering clients a wide range of expertise and experience under one roof.
Now, our full-service law firm is the state’s largest, one of the oldest, and one of the most innovative. We represent local, national and international clients, and we often work with global law firms to resolve Delaware-related issues that affect their clients. And, while we remain true to our local roots, we routinely handle matters that are in the national spotlight. As we continue into our second century, our reputation for quality, result-oriented service and reaching effective results for our clients continues to fuel our growth.
For more information on Richards Layton through the years, click on the links below to see our just-published illustrated history.