Former Dallas COA Justice Picks Cantey Hanger
William “Bill” Pedersen III has joined Cantey Hanger as a partner in Dallas. The former appellate justice will represent clients in litigation and appellate matters across a broad range of disputes.
Free Speech, Due Process and Trial by Jury
William “Bill” Pedersen III has joined Cantey Hanger as a partner in Dallas. The former appellate justice will represent clients in litigation and appellate matters across a broad range of disputes.
Aaron Reitz, a former Trump administration official and top lawyer for the Texas attorney general, has been selected as the next U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Texas, according to a Bloomberg Law report published late Tuesday night.
The Texas Lawbook's Mark Smith talked to Reitz during his campaign for Texas attorney general.
James Bedotto, a finance partner, has joined Foley & Lardner in Dallas from Kirkland & Ellis. He joins the firm's finance practice, where he will focus on advising private equity sponsors, financial institutions and corporate borrowers on complex debt finance transactions.
Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson has promoted family law attorneys Melissa Cowle, Christopher Lambert and Christopher Konneker to partner, expanding the leadership ranks of one of Texas’ largest family law firms.
Katherine Smith, a corporate partner focused on executive compensation and corporate governance, has joined Womble Bond Dickinson’s Houston office as a partner in the firm’s Corporate and Securities Practice Group. She advises public companies, boards of directors and executive teams on executive compensation, securities disclosure and governance matters.

Polsinelli added veteran healthcare lawyer Muthuramanan “Ramana” Rameswaran as a shareholder late last month in its Dallas office as part of the firm’s ongoing national expansion of the practice area.
The Texas Lawbook caught up with Rameswaran about his move to Polsinelli, the trends he’s seeing and more.

Haynes Boone attorneys from across the country came to Dallas in late May to participate in the firm’s second annual Trial Academy. The training gives younger attorneys an opportunity to try a mock case and get immediate feedback from experienced partners.
Andy Ryan and his team at Ryan Law Partners are joining the national litigation boutique and bolstering its trial group in Texas.
The Dallas-based firm is opening its fifth Texas office in Lubbock. “West Texas and Texas Tech played a big role in my life and career, so seeing Mayer open our newest Texas office in Lubbock is a particularly special milestone,” firm founder Zach Mayer said.
Pat Knapp elaborated on his decision to join K&L Gates, highlighted what he is seeing in energy and infrastructure deals, and made a bold prediction about his Notre Dame Fighting Irish in an interview with The Texas Lawbook.
Rakhee Patel, a bankruptcy and restructuring partner, has joined Troutman Pepper Locke in Dallas after more than three years at Sidley Austin. She will focus her practice on complex corporate restructurings, bankruptcy matters and related litigation and transactions for debtors, private equity sponsors, lenders and other stakeholders.
Sophie Rohnke will officially join Southern Methodist University on August 1 as vice president for legal affairs and government relations, general counsel, and secretary to the Board of Trustees. She succeeds Paul Ward, who announced his retirement earlier this year.
© Copyright 2026 The Texas Lawbook
The content on this website is protected under federal Copyright laws. Any use without the consent of The Texas Lawbook is prohibited.
