Former Fifth District Court of Appeals justice Amanda Reichek has joined Dallas law firm Tillotson Johnson Patton as a partner after losing her re-election bid in November. Reichek, who previously worked in plaintiff-side employment law and union-side labor law, expressed excitement about returning to a small firm setting and joining a “top-notch” legal team. The firm’s name partner, Jeff Tillotson, praised Reichek’s knowledge and skill, noting she adds tremendous value to their already strong appellate group.
Ex-Co-Chair of Bracewell’s Energy Transition Practice Joins White & Case
White & Case announced Monday that Patrick Johnson, former co-chair of the energy transition practice at Bracewell, has joined the firm as a Houston-based partner working within its global project development and finance practice.
Steve Gill Heading to Skadden
A 23-year veteran of Vinson & Elkins is leaving the firm for Skadden, his new firm confirmed Monday morning. The move is a big one. Gill has been co-head of V&E’s corporate practice group and has been involved in some of the firm’s largest transactions in recent years.
Baker Botts Boosts International Disputes and Antitrust Practices with High-Profile Hires
Ben Love returns to Texas after working out of Boies Schiller Flexner’s New York and Washington D.C. offices. Former Texas-based lawyer Edward Duffy joins Baker Botts from the U.S. Department of Justice.
Ray A. Balestri, 1960-2025
Longtime Bell Nunnally corporate and M&A partner Ray Balestri died earlier this month at the age of 64. A Dallas entrepreneur, investor, adjunct professor and lawyer with four decades of experience, Mr. Balestri was known nationwide as a dynamic dealmaker, whether representing companies that needed seed money or advising on multibillion-dollar mergers.
Quinn Emanuel Elevates Christopher D. Porter to Co-Chair of National Trial Practice
Christopher D. Porter, already co-managing partner of Quinn Emanuel’s Houston office, was recently named co-chair of the national trial practice group. Porter boasts more than 16 years as a trial lawyer with a practice focused on business litigation.