Raymond Kane, Gordon Russell, Joe Coleman and Mike Logan started KRCL in 1992 to flee financial bad habits of their old firm. Thirty years later, the firm they built is entrenched in the Texas middle market of corporate law firms, ranking 46th statewide in revenues in the upcoming 2021 Texas Lawbook 50. But the four partners discovered much more than success. They and their firm used fiscal restraint and commitment to long-term client service to find peace and friendship. At the twilight of their careers, they still love the practice of law and each other.
Jackson Walker’s Recruiting Chief on Recent Wave of Partner Hires, TX Legal Market and More
The second-largest law firm by Texas lawyer headcount, according to The Texas Lawbook 50, has landed six lateral partners so far in 2022. The Texas Lawbook visited with Bridgette Stahlman, the firm’s chief of recruiting and lateral partner integration, about the firm’s growth in recent years and the ins and outs of recruiting.
Correction and Update – Texas Lawyer Hiring Hits Record Highs in 2021, But Firms Still Struggling to Hire More
Corporate law firms operating in Texas went on a hiring spree in 2021. The 50 largest firms representing businesses in Texas added more lawyers in 2021 than they did in any of the past 12 years. A handful of elite national practices grew headcount at a spectacular pace, but many regional law firms also swelled to record levels.
With business booming, The Texas Lawbook 50’s record-setting 2021 was built on five firms with truly big net gains in staff size, another nine with double-digit increases and just two firms with net losses of more than 10 lawyers. Despite all the growth, many corporate law firm leaders say they would have hired even more attorneys if there were lawyers available. Editor’s note: The Texas Lawbook wrongly reported earlier that Bracewell’s lawyer count declined by 11 in 2021. It declined by only two. The Lawbook regrets the error.
Meet Texas Lawyers Promoted to Partner for 2022 – Updated
Corporate law firms in Texas promoted more attorneys to partner this year than ever before. The Texas Lawbook looks at all 196 lawyers voted into the partnership by 55 law firms for 2022 and breaks down the numbers by law firm, practice group and the city where they office. The Lawbook has brief bios on all 189 newly minted partners.
More Texas Law Firms Address Russia Crisis — Updated
Three more corporate law firms in Texas – Akin Gump, Bracewell and Latham & Watkins – have announced they are ending their operations in Russia and will not represent Kremlin-controlled businesses. Several other law firms with large operations in Texas, including Baker Botts, Norton Rose Fulbright and Sidley, made similar announcements earlier this week.
Anne Johnson & Jeff Tillotson Join Forces
After 27 years at Haynes and Boone, prominent appellate lawyer Anne Johnson is joining forces with respected Dallas trial lawyer Jeff Tillotson. The move puts Johnson’s name on the door as well as another lawyer at the firm. The Texas Lawbook has the scoop.
MoFo Opens in Austin
San Francisco-founded Morrison & Foerster announced Monday that it is opening its first Texas office in Austin. Known in legal circles as MoFo, the corporate law firm announced that it has hired two intellectual property litigation partners – one from Pillsbury and one from DLA Piper – and a corporate M&A partner from Pillsbury, and that “further additions to the Austin office are anticipated in the weeks and months ahead.”
Norton Rose Fulbright to Close Moscow Office
Norton Rose Fulbright announced Monday that the global law firm is “winding down” its operations in Russia “as quickly as we can.” Formerly known as Houston-based Fulbright & Jaworski, Norton Rose Fulbright said it is closing its Moscow office “in compliance with its professional obligations” and that the “wellbeing of our staff in the region is a priority.”
Texas Lawyers in Moscow Face Dilemma
As sanctions against Russian companies and those that do business with Russian entities expand daily, the role of lawyers is increasingly in the spotlight. Some law firms are being pressured to fire their Russian clients. Fourteen corporate law firms operating in Texas have Moscow offices, including Akin Gump, Baker Botts and Norton Rose Fulbright. Some law firms, such as Baker Botts, are reevaluating their operations in Russia. A few firms secretly encouraged their attorneys to leave Moscow as quickly and quietly as possible, as they fear retribution from the Kremlin. The Texas Lawbook has the details.
Dykema Opens Houston Office
The Detroit-based firm added a “critical” piece to its Texas expansion with the opening of its fifth office in the state.