Dechert is to spin off its immigration practice into a new firm called Klasko Rulon Stock Seltzer. The move, effective from 1 January, 2004, will have its main office in Philadelphia, as well as a base in New York. The firm will be headed by the chair of Dechert’s immigration practice, Ronald Klasko.

In addition, Richard Rulon, William Stock and Suzanne Seltzer will withdraw from Dechert’s partnership on 31 December.