Paul Hastings Advises Harleysville National Corporation in its Acquisition by First Niagara Financial Corporation

April 19, 2010

Washington, D.C. (April 19, 2010) - Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker, a leading global law firm, announced today that the firm advised Harleysville National Corporation on bank regulatory matters in connection with its recent acquisition by First Niagara Financial Group.

Under the terms of the acquisition, First Niagara will acquire Harleysville National Corporations over $5 billion in assets and $4 billion in deposits. All 83 Harleysville National bank branches in nine Eastern Pennsylvania counties will now become First Niagara banking locations. The all-stock transaction is valued at approximately $302 million based on First Niagaras closing share price of $14.72 on April 9, 2010.

Washington, D.C. partner, Jerry Comizio, led the Paul Hastings team which included Washington, D.C. of counsel, Lawrence Kaplan, and associates Helen Lee and Emily Hartman.

Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker is a leading global law firm with offices in Asia, Europe, and the United States. We provide innovative legal solutions to financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies. Please visit www.paulhastings.com for more information.