Former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Erin Nealy Cox, is joining the Dallas office of Kirkland & Ellis.
Several law firms recruited Nealy Cox, who is a nationally recognized expert in cybersecurity, but Kirkland made it official Wednesday that she will become a partner in its government, regulatory and internal investigations group on Sept. 1.
Lawyers close to Nealy Cox say she selected Kirkland because the firm’s leadership promised her strong support in building a white-collar criminal law practice in Texas.
“Through her extraordinary credentials and our personal experience, we know Erin to be a brilliant lawyer and wonderful colleague who will be a valuable addition to our firm,” Andy Calder, a lead partner in Kirkland’s Houston office, said in a written statement. “Having overseen some of DOJ’s highest-profile investigations, Erin will strengthen our already notable government investigations practice, and enhance our position as a leading white collar defense law firm in Texas.”
The hiring of Nealy Cox again demonstrates the hiring power of elite national law firms in Texas, and especially the capabilities of Kirkland.
Last month, The Texas Lawbook 50, which examines the revenues, profits and strength of corporate law firms operating in Texas, revealed that Kirkland is now the highest revenue generating law firm in Texas. The 290 Kirkland lawyers working in Dallas and Houston made $528 million in revenue in 2020, which was a 35% increase over the prior year.
Nealy Cox’s husband, Trey Cox, is a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.
As U.S. Attorney, Nealy Cox led over 110 federal prosecutors and quarterbacked the Northern District of Texas’ most significant investigations, prosecuting more cases and more defendants than any other extra-large non-border district in the nation.
Nealy Cox also chaired the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC), a body of 15 U.S. Attorneys selected by the attorney general to advise on national priorities, including policy and operational issues.
“{Nealy Cox’s] breadth of experience gained from years as a senior Justice Department official, serving as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern of Texas, as well as years as a respected senior advisor particularly on cybersecurity, will greatly benefit the corporations and executives who trust Kirkland to help them navigate their most pivotal moments,“ said Jon A. Ballis, chairman of Kirkland’s Executive Committee.
The Lawbook interviewed Nealy Cox on the day of her resignation as U.S. attorney and published a Q&A with excerpts from the conversation, which reviewed her tenure and priorities at the Northern District of Texas.