In Memoriam: Stephen J. Harmelin, Partner, Friend and Firm Leader.

Stephen J. Harmelin, partner, friend and firm leader, passed away on May 3 at his home after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease. The entire Dilworth community mourns his death. Steve started at Dilworth in 1965 after a brief stint working in the White House for President Lyndon Johnson. Steve graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard Law School. He spent his entire legal career at Dilworth Paxson. Steve was an exceptional corporate lawyer with an envious portfolio of clients. But more importantly, he followed Richardson Dilworth’s formula for success: extensive community engagement. He served as a trustee of the Barnes Foundation and engineered the move of a priceless collection of French impressionist art to a new, world-class museum on the Parkway in Center City Philadelphia. He was a founder of the National Constitution Center, also in Center City, and a board member of the Pennsylvania Convention Center. For 25 years, Steve proudly served on the board of the Atlantic Legal Foundation, a nonprofit advocacy group and one of the most influential US Supreme Court amicus organizations. Steve’s contributions to the city of Philadelphia and to the region will leave a lasting impact. At Dilworth Paxson, Steve is an irreplaceable icon.

A memorial service will be held at the Barnes Museum at 4 PM on May 27, 2025.

Read more about Stephen J. Harmelin and his lasting legacy: