Bangs Stetson Tracy and MacVeigh

Davis Polk began as a solo Manhattan law practice by 21-year-old Francis N. Bangs. The firm changed names over time as partners joined, eventually becoming Davis, Polk, Wardwell, Gardiner & Reed. In the late 1800s, name partner Francis Stetson served as J.P. Morgan’s chief counsel, helping restructure the Pennsylvania Railroad and create General Electric. Today, JPMorgan Chase and Morgan Stanley remain key clients.