Business & Tech
Wadleigh, Starr & Peters, P.L.L.C Celebrates Its 125th Anniversary
Their 125 years of practicing law in downtown Manchester, makes them the city's oldest law firm
In 2024, Wadleigh, Starr & Peters, P.L.L.C. marks a significant milestone—125 years of practicing law in downtown Manchester, making it the city's oldest law firm. Founded in 1899 by Taggart & Bingham in the historic Kennard Building at 1008 Elm Street, the firm has been a steadfast presence in Manchester's legal community, now operating from its long-standing location at 95 Market Street since 1958.
Throughout its history, Wadleigh has played a pivotal role in the legal landscape of Southern New Hampshire. In the early 20th century, the firm represented mill families, railroads, and the shoe industry, all of which were vital to the region's economy. Over the years, Wadleigh attorneys have ascended to prestigious roles, including appointments as judges across all levels of New Hampshire's courts, Attorneys General of the State of New Hampshire, members of the U.S. Congress, and Counsel to the Governor. Notably, Winthrop Wadleigh was a founding member of the New Hampshire Civil Liberties Union, and William Starr provided legal counsel to numerous local, national, and international corporations. Philip G. Peters earned recognition as one of the era’s most skilled civil jury trial attorneys and served as a judge in the Auburn District Court.
The firm's legacy is defined by its involvement in landmark legal matters. Wadleigh attorneys secured one of the state's largest consumer protection verdicts, established the legal identity of the Manchester School District, supported the creation of public education within the state prison system, and achieved a U.S. Supreme Court decision that protected generic drug manufacturers from unwarranted liability. The firm has also been instrumental in various major commercial projects, significant trust and estate planning, family law matters, and the defense of some of New Hampshire’s most high-risk professional liability, personal injury, commercial, and criminal cases.
Community involvement has always been at the heart of Wadleigh's mission. The firm's attorneys actively serve on state and municipal boards and commissions, volunteer with nonprofits and charitable organizations, and participate in local associations throughout the region. Remarkably, this tradition of service is entirely voluntary, with no mandatory community service requirement.
Wadleigh’s enduring success is largely attributed to its dedicated staff, many of whom have devoted the majority of their professional lives to the firm. As the firm celebrates its 125th anniversary, it also honors the contributions of staff members like Pauline Desfosses and Wendy Dailey, who have each been with Wadleigh for over fifty years, along with several others who have reached over twenty-five years of service.
Today, Wadleigh, Starr & Peters, P.L.L.C. continues its legacy of excellence with a team of 33 attorneys and 65 employees, providing expert legal representation across a wide range of practice areas. From professional liability and personal injury defense to municipal and education law, commercial and construction litigation, real estate, trust and estate planning, family law, and appellate work, the firm draws on its rich history to serve clients with dedication and expertise.
For more information about Wadleigh, Starr & Peters, P.L.L.C. and its 125 years of legal service, visit www.wadleighlaw.com.
Contact Information:
Nicole Spaulding, Executive Director
Email: nspaulding@wadleighlaw.com
Phone: 603-669-4140
