written by Attorney R. Peter Decato, a/k/a “the ancient”
It is fitting that I write about the firm’s history since "I was there" when it "all started."
After practicing "solo" for a few years, I took on a partner (Attorney Albert J. Cirone, Jr.). Al and I called our firm Decato and Cirone. I thought that was a rather appropriate name although Al lobbied hard to have the firm named Cirone and Decato. In the end, with the advice of a local attorney (Michael Slive), we reached a compromise. The firm would be named Decato and Cirone but Al’s name would be first on the letterhead. It was my first introduction to mediation as a form of dispute resolution. In the end, I would like to think we both "won."
In 1984, Al and I decided to go our separate ways. That meant a move from Lebanon to West Lebanon. Talk about being adventurous! I had moved five (5) miles and ended up on Main Street in West Lebanon. This, I viewed as progress. From there, I went back and forth between West Lebanon and Lebanon until I finally got it right by settling into our current address where we’ve been since 2004.
In candor, the real history of Decato Law Office began in 1984. That is when the firm began to grow and when I began to hire people who have since became the core of our firm. It was a lawyer here and a paralegal there. Then a file clerk was hired who ultimately morphed into an office manager. By the time I "turned around" we had grown to five (5) lawyers, four (4) paralegals and four support staff, with an interest in growing further.
Along the way, I’ve practiced solo (three times), in a partnership (one time), in a professional corporation and in a professional association. I even merged my firm on two occasions. All this was done because there was a consistent demand for our services. We needed to grow to accommodate the demand. We had the demand because the people who are the core of Decato Law Office have always been excellent at delivering legal services.
In 2008, I took on a new partner, "Attorney Brad W. Wilder". There is no word yet as to whether Brad wants to rename the firm "Wilder and Decato" and put my name first on the letterhead.
I’ve endorsed this history by referring to myself as "the ancient." My friend, Attorney Michael Bentley gave me that moniker. The "ancient" seems appropriate for the founder of a firm that has endured for nearly four (4) decades. I’m proud of the fact that our firm has endured.
I am hopeful we will be here for many years to come because I don’t think our story is over. There is still "history" to be written.
