Jon A. Baughman, 72, attorney
Jon A. Baughman, 72, of Fort Washington, a former chairman of the Philadelphia law firm of Pepper Hamilton L.L.P. who guided the firm into calm waters during a period of turmoil, died Monday, Jan. 12, of dementia at Brandywine at Dresher Estates.
Jon A. Baughman, 72, of Fort Washington, a former chairman of the Philadelphia law firm of Pepper Hamilton L.L.P. who guided the firm into calm waters during a period of turmoil, died Monday, Jan. 12, of dementia at Brandywine at Dresher Estates.
A respected trial lawyer, Mr. Baughman directed the firm's litigation and intellectual property departments for many years.
But his true leadership skills emerged in the mid-1990s, just after its former chairman, John G. Harkins, and several other lawyers abruptly departed.
Although the firm's future appeared clouded, Mr. Baughman took over the reins of its executive committee from 1992 to 1994. Not only did he add attorneys; he also increased company revenues.
"At Pepper, Jon was a legend. He led Pepper at a time of upheaval and was beloved for that," said Amy B. Ginensky.
Mr. Baughman joined the firm as an associate in 1967. He left in 1968 to serve in the Army as a captain in the Judge Advocate General Corps and then rejoined Pepper Hamilton in 1972. He practiced there until retiring in 2007.
Mr. Baughman handled securities, antitrust and patent cases, as well as complex disputes over real estate, construction, and contracts.
"He was renowned for his ability to reduce a case to its essentials and to avoid wasting time in protracted depositions if the testimony could be had in an hour or two," said Barbara W. Mather, another partner in the firm.
He also had a significant and successful practice in litigation involving appeals. In recognition of his achievements, Mr. Baughman was elected a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.
He had a major impact as a mentor to other lawyers. At Mr. Baughman's retirement, Barry M. Abelson, then the chairman of Pepper's executive committee, said, "No partner ever created more future partners, through working with him, than Jon did."
Mr. Baughman received a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Gettysburg College in 1964, and a degree in 1967 from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where he was a law review comment editor.
In his free time, he played tennis and squash, and grew tomatoes, corn, peppers, and lima beans in his garden. "He loved being outside," said son Michael E.
Surviving, besides his son, are his wife, Barbara A. Ingram; another son, J. Steven; and six grandchildren. Both sons are attorneys.
A visitation will be from 1 to 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, followed by a 3 p.m. funeral service, at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church, 411 Susquehanna Rd., Ambler. Interment is private.
Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association via www.alz.org, or to Lutheran World Relief via www.lwr.org.
610-313-8102
