August 25, 2011, Blue Bell, PA - Nelson Levine de Luca & Hamilton (NLdH), an international law firm focused on the business of insurance, has appointed Mary Anne Jaquay, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In her new role, Ms. Jaquay will provide overall leadership on business-related issues and also oversee the firm's strategic direction and growth. Her responsibilities encompass all of NLdH's offices.

In addition to her new responsibilities, Ms. Jaquay will continue to oversee the firm's day-to-day business operations. Legal matters and client-related issues continue to be the responsibility of the firm's partners.

According to Mike Nelson, Chairman of Nelson Levine de Luca & Hamilton, Ms. Jaquay's appointment is part of the firm's long term growth strategy to allow lawyers to focus on clients and practicing law, while leaving business and operational issues to Ms. Jaquay and her management team.

"Mary Anne has played a critical role in our dramatic growth and in shaping what the firm is today," Nelson said, noting that the firm has grown by nearly 60% over the past five years. "Her new challenge will be to drive the firm's business performance, and ensure that our attorneys have the resources required to ensure the highest level of client service."

Nelson added that in addition to Jaquay's leadership, the firm's management structure is unique in the number of women who play integral roles in NLdH's business operations and administration. Two Practice Group Leaders, its General Counsel, and five of the seven directors on the firm's operations team, including Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing, Strategic Planning and Legal Support, are all women charged with significant responsibility at the firm. This diversity also exists at the attorney level - nearly one third of the firm's attorneys are women, and a third of these attorneys are partners at NLdH.

Ms. Jaquay joined NLdH ten years ago as Controller, and was named Chief Operating Officer in 2008. Prior to joining NLdH, Ms. Jaquay held a number of senior financial positions with U.S. corporations, including Hill's Pet Nutrition and Wesley-Jessen, a division of Schering Plough. She holds a B.S. in Accounting from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY.