75 Years Together

From 1950 to Today:
75 Years of Serving Our Communities

The First Two Decades: 1950–1970

After Hank Lerch and Wilton Wallace founded the firm of Wallace & Lerch in 1950, they engaged in a general practice of law from their Washington, D.C. offices at 815 15th St., NW. The small firm continued to grow its practice, including in nearby suburban Maryland. In 1960, the firm leased a small suite of offices in the new Perpetual Building (built in 1955), at 7401 Wisconsin Avenue across from the Post Office along Montgomery Avenue in downtown Bethesda.

The Early Years – The 1970s

Harry Lerch joined the firm in January 1970 after serving as General Counsel of Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission. The firm moved to 7101 Wisconsin Ave. (the Ford Building) on Friday, August 13, 1976. The “Friday the Thirteenth” move to Suite 1313 on the 13th floor is also reflected in the firm’s main line phone number: 301-986-1300! In the late 1970s, the firm began to grow. Robby Brewer was hired as an associate in September 1977. The firm merged with Bell & Bell in 1979, bringing estates/tax partner Larry Bell and transactions associate Connie Lohse. A senior lateral attorney, Rick Tanenbaum, was hired from Crowell & Moring.

The Go-Go 1980s!

Our law firm started the 1980s with approximately 10 attorneys, and ended it with 39! In between, we merged with a small bankruptcy law firm and changed our name, developed new practice areas, hired many stellar attorneys who made lasting contributions, moved a few blocks north on Wisconsin Avenue, and began developing our firm’s infrastructure and culture in earnest. The 1980s also was when many of the firm’s social activities and customs came about — we created a softball team, held firm picnics, and hosted holiday parties.

The Rebuilding Era and Lerch, Early & Brewer: 1990s

In early 1990, the commercial real estate markets began to crumble. Within six months, the firm had lost 40% of its 39 attorneys who were present in January 1990. Our bank loans were called, our space became too large and expensive, and the immediate future for the firm’s viability was cloudy. We budgeted more conservatively, did not incur any further debt, set aside working capital reserves and funds for deferred compensation, and restructured our billing practices. The firm name changed to Lerch, Early & Brewer, Chtd. in 1991.

Building a Stronger, More Diverse Firm: 2000–2010

After the success of the firm’s efforts to stabilize and rebuild the firm in the 1990s, the firm entered a very robust and dynamic period of professional growth and industry recognition in the period. A number of the practice groups achieved industry “go-to” status, and collectively helped to enhance the firm’s reputation as one of the strongest regional commercial practice law firms and its industry recognition during this period.

Expanding LEB’s Regional Focus and Practice Groups: 2010–2020

The period of 2010 until the COVID pandemic arrived in 2020 was a time of steady growth and professional achievements for our firm. During this era, we strengthened our practice groups, grew our marketing presence, cycled through three managing partners, and experienced the retirements and departures of key attorneys. We welcomed eight real estate attorneys to the firm from Holland & Knight in 2011. In 2017, we moved to the 7th and 8th floors of 7600 Wisconsin Avenue. To accompany our move, the firm engaged in a complete rebranding of its social media imaging and created an entirely new website. While the pandemic was challenging, thankfully, the firm emerged intact, and within a year the firm began to grow and thrive once again.

Post-Pandemic: 2020–Present

During and in the aftermath of the pandemic, LEB worked closely with clients to troubleshoot, problem solve, and provide counsel during an unprecedented historical period with disrupted supply chains, closed courts, companies, restaurants and stores, social isolation, rampant infectious disease, and unknown horizons. On May 1, 2023, the firm welcomed 15 attorneys and almost as many staff from the Bethesda law firm, Paley Rothman. Overall, LEB hired 36 new attorneys from the Pandemic through late 2024, and Liz Rogers was promoted to partner during this time. Out of this growth, LEB gained new strength especially in its employment, estates, family law, litigation, and business/tax practice groups.

Celebrating our 75th Anniversary with Employees and Alumni

On Thursday, February 6, 2025, Lerch, Early & Brewer employees and alumni came together at Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase, Maryland to celebrate this important milestone anniversary.

A Commitment to Our Communities

Our attorneys and staff strive for the improvement of our community and our profession through numerous pro bono and community service efforts.

Why Lerch Early?

I have chosen to build my career at Lerch Early because of the people. “It takes a village” in life. I knew early on that my colleagues at Lerch Early were who I wanted to be part of my village. I am grateful to work with people who care equally about my professional success as they do about my personal accomplishments and have invested so much in my growth over the years.

Liz Rogers

Principal

The most important aspect of work for me is freedom —
freedom to use my own judgment to solve problems;
freedom to take initiative; freedom to work at my pace, and most importantly, freedom to speak. At LEB, I’m given that freedom that have helped both me and my department grown and thrive. I’m proud to be a part of a team that feels more like a family.

Le Kooc

Paralegal

Twenty years ago, I left a large law firm to pursue a career at Lerch Early and I’ve never looked back. At Lerch Early, I’ve found the best of all worlds: the ability to work on sophisticated matters alongside brilliant, dedicated lawyers while maintaining an active lifestyle outside the firm. I can’t imagine practicing law anywhere else.

Bill Goldberg

Principal

Lerch Early is a special place. The environment is welcoming, the people are kind, and I greatly admire the care and attention to detail that we put into our work. I found my calling in the legal field at Lerch Early, and I am sincerely grateful for the immense support from my mentors and others as I continue to grow and build my career.

Miguel Chavez

Paralegal

I enjoy working at Lerch Early because of the positive environment and the wonderful people I get to work with every day. The team is incredibly approachable and there’s always a sense of camaraderie. I appreciate how the firm invests time understanding my goals and professional aspirations and provides the support I need to reach them. I feel empowered to grow both personally and professionally, making it a truly rewarding place to work.

Charmaine Galvan

Associate