In this Q&A, Polzer dishes on transitioning from a regional firm like Cantey Hanger to an AmLaw 100 firm, describes the uniqueness of the Fort Worth market, encourages resilience in networking, and talks Buc-ee’s and specialized business courts.
The Corner Office: Q&A with Michael Holmes
In this Q&A, the V&E lifer and securities litigation pro shares his observations on which areas of litigation are busy, reflects on the rewards of staying at one firm for your career, and offers encouragement for young attorneys.
Vartabedian & Hester Announces New Name Partner, New Offices, 2 More Additions
The energy-focused team from Alston & Bird that launched a new firm in Fort Worth late last month has added Craig Haynes from Holland & Knight to become Vartabedian, Hester & Haynes. The firm has also officially opened an office in Dallas and is in the process of opening an office in West Texas.
What to Publish on Your LinkedIn Page: A Guide for Small and Mid-Size Law Firms
While large firms — with their hundreds of lawyers and hefty marketing departments — can churn out news on the regular, small and mid-size firms often struggle with keeping their LinkedIn pages populated. This article offers a roadmap to humanize your brand, connect with your audience, and establish credibility in the legal landscape. Publisher’s Note: This content is premium subscriber thought leadership and is published outside of our paywall.
Steptoe Acquires Smyser Kaplan & Veselka ‘Lock, Stock and Barrel’
Craig Smyser, who cofounded SKV in 1995, said his firm had been approached several times over the years by national and international firms looking to expand into Texas. There’s one reason in particular why the negotiations with Steptoe, which began in May, ended with this merger: Steptoe was willing to take on every member of the SKV team.
“It’s an amazing law firm with a lot of magic,” Gwen Renigar, Steptoe’s chair, said in an interview with The Lawbook. “The magic they had is magic I did not want to disturb.”
Law Firms Promote Twice as Many Men as Women in 2023-24 Partnership Class
The new partnership class of 2023-24 in Texas is big on litigation and trial lawyers, leans heavily toward Houston offices and is overwhelmingly male-dominated. Business law firms have voted 143 Texas lawyers into their partnerships during this partner promotion season — down slightly from the 146 the same firms boosted into their elite ranks a year ago, according to data collected by The Texas Lawbook. Fifty-two law firms have announced their new partnership classes during this cycle. Half of the 52 firms promoted more attorneys than they did last year, while 17 firms named fewer new partners and nine named exactly the same number as a year ago. The Lawbook has the details.
FBFK CEO on Merger with OC Litigation Firm: ‘You Can’t Ignore California’
The 55-lawyer Dallas-based law firm announced a combination with three-lawyer Orange County firm Stephens Friedland on Monday. FBFK CEO Kyle Ferguson said the firm has been eyeing expansion efforts in the region for several years. It is the firm’s first office outside of Texas.
Founding Partner Joe W. Redden Jr. Retires from Beck Redden After ‘Great Ride’
Joe Redden rang in the new year as a retiree, marking the end of a 48-year legal career. In 1992, Redden cofounded the boutique trial and appellate law firm in Houston.
Updated — Texas Promotions to Partner Slower in 2023-24
Thirty-five law firms have announced their promotions to partner for the 2023-24 season — 15 promoted more than last year, 13 promoted fewer and seven exactly the same number. So far, the 35 firms have promoted 99 associates or of counsel to equity and non-equity partner — down from 113 a year ago.
2023-2024 Partner Promotions
This is a searchable list of the Texas lawyers promoted to partner for the 2024 class. It is updated as additional firms announce their promotions.