A partner at Philadelphia-based midsize business law firm Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld, who comes from a Big Law past, is moving back into the world of large law firms, into Duane Morris' private client services practice.

David Kovsky joined Duane Morris on Oct. 23 as a partner, along with special counsel Erin McQuiggan, who also comes from Royer Cooper. Before joining Royer Cooper in 2014, Kovsky practiced at Cozen O'Connor. He started his career at Wolf Block.

"David came from a big-firm background and saw the synergies," said Matthew Taylor, CEO and chairman of Duane Morris. He noted that Duane Morris has long turned to its private client services group to serve clients in some of its other practices, and that the firm has done well in cross-selling those services.

His move to Duane Morris was "in the works for a while," Kovsky said, pointing to Sheldon Bonovitz and Michael Grohman as partners who actively recruited him to the firm.

Moving back into a large-firm setting, Kovsky said, allows him to "continue to provide top-level, white-glove service to families" even as their needs change.

"In the modern world, not everybody lives in Philadelphia anymore. Not everyone's kids stay here," so having a firm with a presence in other jurisdictions is an asset.

Kovsky said he expects all of his clients to join him at Duane Morris. Taylor noted that Kovsky brings "a nice book of business" to Duane Morris.

In his practice, Kovsky handles complex estate planning matters, including issues related to closely held businesses, charitable trusts and private foundations. He represents business owners, executives and professionals in the real estate, technology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, private equity, hedge fund, transportation and energy industries. McQuiggan works with private clients, family offices and fiduciaries on estate planning and estate administration.

Kovsky and Taylor both said they are not aware of any overlapping existing clients between his practice and the firm, but both said they are eager to pursue opportunities for cross-selling to their existing clients.

John E. Royer Jr., managing partner of Royer Cooper, said in a statement that the firm wishes Kovsky and McQuiggan well. He noted that his firm was formed as an alternative to Big Law.

"We combine sophisticated, cost-effective legal counseling with sound practical judgment, entrepreneurial approaches and creative thinking that resonates with clients, as well as the lawyers on our team," Royer added. "Our private client services group is no exception, comprised of highly experienced estate planning attorneys who have backgrounds and perspectives that our high-net-worth clients truly appreciate."