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Two longtime partners of West Chester-based Gawthrop Greenwood have jumped to another West Chester firm, Lamb McErlane.

George Zumbano and Roger Huggins both joined Lamb McErlane as partners, the firm announced Monday. Zumbano had practiced at Gawthrop Greenwood for more than 30 years, and Huggins for more than 20.

Zumbano is a business litigator who handles personal injury and malpractice litigation, employment law, estates and trusts and education law. Huggins' practice includes commercial and real estate transactions, real estate and equipment leasing, business law, finance, banking and contracts. His clients range from individuals and small local companies to publicly traded corporations, lending institutions and nonprofits.

The discussions with Lamb McErlane started with Zumbano, he said, and once he had decided to join the firm, Huggins chose to go with him.

“George and I have been practicing together for well over 20 years,” Huggins said. “We have common clients, a common network … it just made so much sense to stay together.”

Huggins said Zumbano often works with his clients if litigation arises out of a transaction.

Both lawyers said Lamb McErlane provides them with greater attorney and staff support, as well as opportunities to cross-sell. Huggins said the firm's health care practice is particularly ripe for cross-selling real estate services.

They said they have not heard from all clients yet about their transition to Lamb McErlane, but so far their clients are following them to their new firm. Zumbano said he came across a few client conflicts that involved resolved or nearly resolved pieces of litigation, but those have been addressed.

“It's a growing firm with very good lawyers in all practice areas,” Zumbano said of Lamb McErlane. “I'm excited about the ability to grow this firm by our participation.”

Lamb McErlane has 35 lawyers, and Gawthrop Greenwood has 22, according to the firms' websites. Both recently went through leadership transitions. Joel Frank became Lamb McErlane's chairman, taking over for founding partner William Lamb. And Sandra Knapp was elected chair of Gawthrop Greenwood for the second time, after having served in that position from 2011 to 2015.

In a statement, Lamb McErlane's Frank said Zumbano and Huggins are “highly regarded among their peers and clients for their legal acumen and community involvement.”

Gawthrop Greenwood chair Sandra Knapp said in a statement Monday that the firm appreciates Zumbano and Huggins' work there and wishes them well.