© 2014 The Texas Lawbook.
By Mark Curriden – (September 24) – John Bickel moved his complex commercial litigation practice this week up two floors at the Comerica Bank Building in downtown Dallas – from Bickel & Brewer to Fish & Richardson.
Bickel, in an interview with The Texas Lawbook, said he is proud of his 30 years at Bickel & Brewer, building the firm from three lawyers to more than 30 now. But he said he turned 66 this year and decided he needed a change.
“We had a great record of success at Bickel & Brewer, but I wanted to try something new, something different,” he said. ”I’ve known Tom Melsheimer and Steve Stodghill for 15 years and I respect them as lawyers and friends.”
Bickel announced he was retiring from Bickel & Brewer in the spring, but had not decided on his next move.
“I feel that I have another dozen years of practicing law full-time,” he said.
Bickel will have the title “Of Counsel” at Fish, though he will be full-time in the firm’s complex commercial litigation practice group.
He received his bachelor’s degree from West Point and his law degree from SMU Dedman School of Law. He served several years in the U.S. JAG Corp, and practiced at Thompson & Knight for four years.
Bickel said lawyers at Fish are aggressive and zealous advocates for their clients, but don’t have the harsh, scorched-earth reputation that some at his old law firm possessed.
“You don’t have to be a horse’s ass to be a great trial lawyer, because that style will eventually come back to bite you,” he says. “Tom Melsheimer is the model trial lawyer. He fights vigorously for his clients, but he’s also a nice guy and a good person.”
Melsheimer described Bickel as “a true legend of the Texas bar and said he thinks the long-time trial lawyer will bring additional clients to Fish & Richardson through his litigation and arbitration practices.
“John brings a tremendous amount of litigation experience to our law firm,” he said. “I’ve had cases with John and I’ve had cases against John, and I can honestly say I much prefer having him on my side.”
Bickel & Brewer partner William A. Brewer III said Wednesday that he wishes his long-time partner the best in his new position.
“With respect to the firm name, we believe the brand has come to represent our approach to high-stakes advocacy – and our commitment to the community,” Brewer said in a written statement.
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