Saxton & Stump Establishes Pittsburgh Presence in Union Trust Building
Saxton & Stump is preparing to officially open its new office in downtown Pittsburgh’s iconic Union Trust Building, marking an important milestone in the firm’s growth and reinforcing its long-term commitment to Western Pennsylvania. The move not only provides the law firm with a permanent base in one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks but also highlights its strategic vision to deepen ties with the Pittsburgh business, legal, and civic community.
The firm has been working from temporary offices at One PPG Place since April while completing plans for its permanent location. Renovations are now in the final stages, with Saxton & Stump’s 12,000-square-foot office in the Union Trust Building scheduled to open in October.
A Statement of Growth and Stability
According to James W. Saxton, CEO of Saxton & Stump, the decision to open an office in the Union Trust Building was about more than securing a prime downtown address. “Opening our Pittsburgh office in the Union Trust Building is more than a location decision – it’s a statement of stability and partnership,” Saxton said. An Allegheny County native and Duquesne Law School graduate, he noted that the move underscores the firm’s investment in the region and its people.
“This building reflects the character and vision of our firm and the caliber of talent we’re attracting – rooted in tradition, driven by innovation, and built for the future,” Saxton added.
The new office has been designed with scalability in mind. Saxton & Stump anticipates doubling its Pittsburgh headcount in the next 18 months as it continues to recruit legal and business professionals across multiple practice areas.
The Union Trust Building: A Landmark Reimagined
The Union Trust Building at 501 Grant Street stands as one of Pittsburgh’s most architecturally significant landmarks. Commissioned by industrialist Henry Clay Frick in 1915, the Flemish-Gothic structure has long been a symbol of the city’s industrial heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
After decades of use by financial institutions and commercial tenants, the building was acquired in 2014 by an affiliate of The Davis Companies, a Boston-based real estate investment, development, and management firm. Davis invested $100 million in a comprehensive restoration, transforming the historic building into a modern hub for offices, retail, and dining while preserving its distinctive character.
Today, the Union Trust Building features a striking stained-glass atrium, state-of-the-art amenities, and an atmosphere that blends Pittsburgh’s history with contemporary business needs. For Saxton & Stump, the setting is more than just an office—it provides proximity to the city’s and federal courthouses and easy access to many of the firm’s clients.
Building a Team in Pittsburgh
Saxton & Stump’s Pittsburgh office is currently home to 12 professionals, including nine attorneys, working across multiple practice areas. These include Construction, Construction Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Intellectual Property, Trucking and Commercial Transportation, and Senior Care.
The team has grown rapidly in 2025, with nine professionals joining in just the past year. Notably, in April, four attorneys joined from Burns White, a respected Pittsburgh-based firm. In June, the office further expanded when two attorneys came on board from Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP, another well-known regional firm.
This momentum reflects the firm’s commitment to building a deep bench of experienced legal talent to serve Pittsburgh’s growing economy. By bringing together professionals with diverse specialties, Saxton & Stump is positioning itself as a full-service partner for businesses, institutions, and individuals across the region.
A Broader Strategy of Regional Expansion
With the addition of the Union Trust Building office, Saxton & Stump now operates 10 offices across Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and New Jersey. The firm has steadily expanded its footprint in recent years, including growth in York County, Pennsylvania, and other key markets.
This multi-office model allows Saxton & Stump to provide clients with local expertise backed by the resources of a larger, regional firm. The Pittsburgh expansion is especially significant given the city’s role as a center for healthcare, education, technology, manufacturing, and energy—industries that align closely with the firm’s practice strengths.
Saxton emphasized that the Pittsburgh office will play a crucial role in the firm’s overall strategy. “This is just the beginning of our story in Pittsburgh,” he said. “We’re here to grow, to serve, and to become part of the fabric of this region’s business and legal community.”
Strengthening Pittsburgh’s Legal and Business Landscape
The arrival of Saxton & Stump in Pittsburgh comes at a time when the region is experiencing renewed investment and growth. From innovation in robotics and artificial intelligence to ongoing infrastructure projects and a thriving healthcare sector, Pittsburgh continues to reinvent itself as a hub for advanced industries.
By choosing the Union Trust Building, Saxton & Stump is signaling its intent to be a long-term partner in this transformation. The firm’s practice groups—particularly in construction, litigation, and intellectual property—are directly aligned with the legal needs of the city’s evolving business ecosystem.
For clients, the new office means greater access to legal counsel that combines local insight with broad regional experience. For attorneys and professionals, it offers opportunities to be part of a growing team in a dynamic downtown setting.
Cultural and Community Connection
Equally important, Saxton & Stump views its Pittsburgh office as an opportunity to strengthen cultural and community ties. By establishing a permanent base in Allegheny County, the firm is positioned to build relationships not only with businesses but also with civic organizations, nonprofits, and educational institutions.
The Union Trust Building’s central location makes it an ideal gathering place for clients, partners, and community stakeholders. The firm’s leaders have emphasized their interest in becoming active participants in Pittsburgh’s civic life, consistent with their approach in other markets.
As October approaches and the final touches are completed on its new space, Saxton & Stump is poised to make a strong entry into Pittsburgh’s competitive legal market. With a growing roster of attorneys, a prestigious office location, and a clear strategy for expansion, the firm is laying the foundation for long-term success in Western Pennsylvania.
For Saxton & Stump, the move is more than a real estate transaction—it is a declaration of confidence in Pittsburgh’s future. By blending respect for tradition with a forward-looking vision, the firm aims to help shape the next chapter of the city’s business and legal story.
