Remember 2019? Texas Corporate Firms Scored Record Revenues, Profits – Why it Matters Now

The 50 largest corporate law firms operating in Texas scored record revenues and profits in 2019, added more lawyers than ever before and started the first two to three months of 2020 on pace for even loftier heights, according to exclusive new data collected by The Texas Lawbook. While 2019 seems like such a long time ago, legal analysts say the financial health of Texas law firms in the 14 months leading into the COVID-19 and crude oil price crises is a clear indicator of how they will make it through the rough times ahead.

April 22, 2020 Mark Curriden

Law Firms in Texas Beefed Up in 2019: Could They Have Picked a Worse Time?

Lawyer headcount for corporate law firms operating in Texas was stagnant for the past decade. But new Texas Lawbook 50 data shows that those same firms went on a relative hiring spree in 2019, adding more attorneys last year than they had during the previous four years combined. Analysts say the long-awaited growth occurred at exactly the wrong time. The Texas Lawbook has all the stats and comments.

April 20, 2020 Mark Curriden

Law Firm Marketing Expert: Business Development during COVID-19 is a Delicate Balance

Some law firms have intensified their outreach efforts by trumpeting the myriad of legal issues on which they can help clients during this crisis. Are they seizing opportunities or distastefully capitalizing on a global pandemic? Prominent corporate law firm marketing expert Susan Peters says the best law firm business development efforts in bad times resemble those in good times: anticipate clients’ concerns and show how the firm can help.

April 10, 2020 Susan Peters

Legal Industry Experts: Law Firms Should Start Making Cuts Now

Gibson Dunn managing partner Rob Walters, fresh out of the hospital after testing positive with the coronavirus, has a unique perspective on the potential impact that COVID-19 and cheap oil prices could have on Texas law firms: “This will affect the entire legal industry [and] prove fatal for some fine businesses and law firms.”

Legal industry experts say corporate law firms across Texas should be more worried than they appear to be. Many need to cancel summer associate programs, tell new lawyers that they may not be needed this fall, start reductions in associate salaries and hold back partner draws. “It could get very bad and the Texas legal market will take an even bigger hit than others,” says an Altman Weil analyst. The Texas Lawbook provides an exclusive, in-depth report.

April 3, 2020 Mark Curriden

COVID-19 has Law Firms Considering Changes to Summer Associate Programs

Corporate law firm leaders across Texas are scrambling to figure out what to tell the hundreds of increasingly nervous law students scheduled to participate in summer associate programs scheduled to start in about six weeks. Sidley is delaying its summer clerks arrival for two weeks. Other firms are not sure.

March 30, 2020 Mark Curriden

All in a Day’s Work from Home: How to Successfully WFH

With President Trump extending the social distancing guidelines through at least the end of April, millions of Americans will continue adjusting to a work-from-home reality for the foreseeable future. Jason Mueller and Stevin George of Sheppard Mullin share tips that can help you transition to this new normal.

March 30, 2020 Jason Mueller & Stevin George

Expert: TX Law Firms Face Financial Hits, Opportunities in Crisis

Corporate law firms in Texas are going to take a financial hit as a result of the one-two punch of the coronavirus and plunging oil prices, according to a law firm management expert. The crisis is also an opportunity for firm leaders to make significant changes, including giving underperforming partners the boot.

March 17, 2020 Mark Curriden

St. Louis Firm Expands into Texas with Four Dallas Litigators

Thompson Coburn has opened its sixth office nationwide with partners from Thompson & Knight and Hedrick Kring. The firm aims to grow to 40-plus lawyers over the next few years.

March 3, 2020 Brooks Igo

DBJ: Sheppard Mullin Doubles Downtown Footprint

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton has doubled its footprint in downtown Dallas. The company recently expanded its lease at Chase Tower from 25,902 square feet to 51,804 square feet and

March 2, 2020 Ryan Salchert of the Dallas Business Journal

It’s Official: Perkins Coie Opens in Austin with Laterals from V&E, Wilson Sonsini

The move comes as the technology market has boomed in the capitol and other firms have shrunk or shuttered their offices.

February 13, 2020 Claire Poole