HARRISBURG, Pa., May 4, 2021 — Attorney Carol Verish Houck has joined Saxton & Stump, bringing nearly 20 years of experience supporting clients with matters involving real estate, corporate and business law, and banking and financial services. Houck expands the firm’s real estate team to 13 attorneys and two paralegals, including four licensed title agents with experience handling both commercial and residential closings.
“The real estate market has faced challenges and is full of opportunity now, demanding experienced counsel on complex matters,” said CEO James W. Saxton. “We’re excited to welcome Carol who adds skill and experience to bolster our team and help clients navigate this landscape.”
Houck will be key part of the firm’s growing real estate practice, advising buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants on the purchase, sale, leasing and development of real estate. She will also be representing lenders and borrowers in commercial finance transactions. Prior to joining Saxton & Stump, Houck worked for two PA-based law firms in Harrisburg with an emphasis in business and real estate law. Earlier in her career, she was an associate at Booz Allen Hamilton in San Antonio, TX where she was a business advisor and real estate transaction analyst to the Secretary of the Air Force Office of General Counsel for Installations and Environment and various Air Force clients. Houck began her career as a judicial law clerk at the Pennsylvania Supreme Court where she served for over three years before entering private practice. She received her J.D. from The Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University and her B.S. from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania.
The real estate team serves builders, developers, lenders, engineers, realtors, buyers, sellers and underwriters, as well as property owners, managers and investors, in all aspects of real estate law. The team is led by attorney Erik M. Hume who joined the firm in 2018 after practicing for almost two decades with other firms in Harrisburg and Lancaster. He regularly handles complex real estate development projects, including the negotiation of agreements of sale and leases, coordinating due diligence, obtaining entitlements and managing the closing process. Hume frequently represents landowners and developers in zoning and land development matters. He has a unique focus in representing developers of planned communities, homeowners associations (HOAs), cooperatives and condominiums, and is the current update author of Pennsylvania Community Association Law and Practice, the leading treatise for these types of projects in Pennsylvania.
In 2019, the real estate team welcomed well-known attorney Anthony J. Foschi, who in addition to a broad-based commercial and residential real estate practice, has a niche focus in the hospitality industry, working closely with buyers and sellers of hotels, food service organizations, restaurants and public recreation businesses. In addition, attorney Brandon R. Conrad has significant litigation experience and advises residential and commercial real estate owners, investors and developers on commercial transactions and landlord-tenant disputes under Pennsylvania law.
The team works closely with the firm’s Banking and Financial Services group on loan origination, commercial financing, including purchase and sale agreements for commercial real estate. They also collaborate with Saxton & Stump’s Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights attorneys to negotiate financing, structure financing documents, negotiate workouts, and assist with debt restructuring and collections. The firm also has a robust Construction Law practice, supporting clients with contracts on projects of all sizes as well as labor and employment matters.
Saxton & Stump’s strategic growth outlook
With 112 professionals, including 60 attorneys, the firm continues to grow and based on their strategic plan for 2021, will continue to expand its current team of lawyers and professionals, focusing on bringing additional resources to support client needs.
Saxton & Stump provides solutions for complex legal issues and partners with clients to create a roadmap for their success. The firm is committed to empowering clients by delivering five-star service and results-focused advice.