Philadelphia-based law firm Duane Morris LLP said on Dec. 1 it is adding a construction and real estate practice in its Manhattan office, comprising 19 attorneys who had worked in that sector for construction law giant Thelen LLP, San Francisco. Thelen’s partners voted last month to disband the 610-person firm amid reports of financial difficulties and defections. Washington, D.C.-based law firm Howrey LLP announced last month it was hiring 40 Thelen construction attorneys, including chairman Stephen O’Neal. Law firm Nixon Peabody LLP also has hired 60 former associates.