The veteran legal team of Linda Pence and David Hensel has split after a seven-year run representing defendants in white-collar criminal cases.
Pence has joined the Indianapolis office of Chicago-based SmithAmundsen LLC to lead its national white-collar crime group, while Hensel’s move to Indianapolis-based Hoover Hull Turner LLP expands the firm’s business litigation practice.
Pence and Hensel founded their firm in 2010, after leaving Taft Stettinius Hollister LLP. Defense attorney Robert Hammerle joined PenceHensel LLP in 2015 after 40 years in either a small office or solo practice.
Hensel said in a prepared statement that the decision to dissolve PenceHensel LLP was mutual.
“Linda and I remain friends” he said, “and I wish her the best as she continues her career with a firm that values her talent and experience.”
A lawyer of 40 years, Pence has investigated, prosecuted and defended corporate and individual clients in white-collar criminal matters. She began her legal career in 1974 as a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice and is a former candidate for Indiana attorney general.
“I was seeking an environment that would allow me to continue to do what I love—serving companies and people who are facing life-changing circumstances,” Pence said in a press release.
Founded in 1997, SmithAmundsen established a presence in Indianapolis by picking off remnants of Stewart & Irwin PC, which closed in 2013. The local office now boasts 24 lawyers, ranking it as the area’s 23rd-largest law firm.
“Linda’s addition is a once-in-a-lifetime affiliation for any firm, and we are glad she chose SmithAmundsen to continue her legal career,” Stephen Stitle, managing partner of the local office, said in the release.
Hensel, meanwhile, adds to Hoover Hull’s depth in representing businesses in complex civil litigation, including federal and state regulatory matters.
“From our point of view, this is a perfect match,” said Andy Hull, a Hoover Hull partner, in prepared remarks. “We have long respected David’s abilities and experience, and we are now proud to name him as our newest partner.”
Hensel started his practice at Latham & Watkins in Washington, D.C., and has practiced in Indianapolis since 1990.
John David Hoover, Andy Hull and Wayne Turner joined forces to launch Hoover Hull Turner in 2015. The firm has 17 lawyers.
Hammerle is joining Hackman Hulett LLP as an "of counsel" attorney. The 88-year-old Indianapolis firm has expertise in business services, transactions, civil litigation, real estate, lending and estate planning.
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