PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that Ronald W. Frank has joined the Firm as a Partner in the Corporate, M&A, and Securities group in the Firm’s Pittsburgh office. He joins Blank Rome from Reed Smith LLP, where he was a partner for more than 16 years.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ron to Blank Rome,” said Alan J. Hoffman, Blank Rome’s Chairman and Managing Partner. “For decades, Ron has managed large, complicated financial projects for his clients, many of which span the energy and environment, manufacturing, and technology sectors. Ron will be an excellent addition to Blank Rome’s Pittsburgh office as it continues to grow on the corporate side and will further strengthen our national energy practice.”

Mr. Frank has extensive experience in corporate finance and international transactions, and has advised domestic and international clients on the structuring and financing of joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, privatization transactions, the development of distribution networks, and the negotiation of sales agency, distribution, and licensing agreements. Mr. Frank has also structured general partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability companies. With regard to his international practice, he has developed strong relationships with foreign counsel in many countries, and frequently assists clients in gaining effective local representation.

“In a volatile economy, it is critical to have a counselor with as much experience as Ron,” said Alan H. Lieblich, Co-Chair, Corporate, M&A, and Securities Practice Group. “We’re anticipating more mergers and acquisitions in the energy sector as oil and gas bankruptcies continue to rise. Ron is well positioned to advise clients on their business strategies and subsequently structure transactions that align with the organizations’ goals. We are excited to have him on board.”

In the energy sector, Mr. Frank has served as the general partner of oil and gas drilling programs, all of which were successfully funded, completed, and operated. He has served as counsel to the organizers of numerous oil and gas drilling programs throughout the United States, assisting in the structuring of the investing partnerships and the negotiation of the transaction documents. In addition, Mr. Frank has represented buyers and sellers of oil and gas interests in equity and cash roll-up transactions. He has also represented a large gas utility in the bidding for gas local distribution companies being privatized in Argentina, and represented such utility's energy subsidiary in gas exploration and development transactions in Europe.

“This is a great time to join Blank Rome and I’m happy to have the opportunity to be a part of such a collaborative team,” said Mr. Frank. “The Firm has achieved some very exciting growth and expansion of late in areas that will be of great benefit to my clients and my practice, including energy, financial services, policy and political law, and IP and technology. In addition, I have known George Medved and other members of the Pittsburgh team for many years, and look forward to working with them and all my new colleagues across the Firm.”

Mr. Frank earned his J.D. from Duke University School of Law while serving on the editorial board of the Duke Law Journal. He earned his B.S., with honors, from Carnegie Mellon University in chemical engineering.

About Blank Rome LLP

With over 600 attorneys serving clients around the globe, Blank Rome represents businesses and organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-up entities. Founded in 1946, Blank Rome advises clients on all aspects of their businesses, including commercial and corporate litigation; consumer finance; corporate, M&A, and securities; energy, environment, and mass torts; finance, restructuring, and bankruptcy; government contracts; insurance coverage; intellectual property and technology; labor and employment; maritime and international trade; matrimonial; policy and political law; real estate; tax, benefits, and private client; and white collar defense and investigations. Blank Rome also represents pro bono clients in a wide variety of cases and matters. For additional information, visit www.blankrome.com.