As the 1840s began, Philadelphia was simmering with economic, racial and religious tensions fueled by political fragmentation within the city and its surrounding districts, escalating gang warfare, and increasing job competition between ethnic and racial groups, particularly African-American and Irish workers. In the midst of this turmoil, “… in no place more so than Philadelphia, was the law generally the best path to wealth, distinction and political influence. Among the older Philadelphians, many felt a deep responsibility toward the society in which they earned their fame and wealth, and many of them strongly believed in a tradition of public service … Lawyers became the cement of the young society,” Robert R. Bell, “The Philadelphia Lawyer: A History,” 1735-1945, Susquehnna University Press, 1992.

Within the first three years of the 1840s, two distinct entities emerged in Philadelphia. In 1842, Townsend & Townsend was founded, becoming just the second law firm in the city. A year later, The Legal Intelligencer was launched by local lawyer Henry E. Wallace to serve the booming Philadelphia bar, which had grown from 220 to 850 lawyers between 1842 and 1855, Nathaniel Burt. “The Perennial Philadelphians: The Anatomy of an American Aristocracy,”University of Pennsylvania Press,  1975.