As we commemorate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, two women lawyers in the Austin office of Vinson & Elkins — Marisa Secco Giles and Michelle Arishita — agreed to discuss the importance of women mentoring women from the perspective of both the mentor and the mentee. They share what qualities they think are most important in a mentor, the best advice they have received and how strong mentoring relationships help with the retention of female lawyers.
Haynes and Boone Opens Virginia Outpost
The Dallas-based firm expanded to Northern Virginia by adding 19 lawyers with expertise in government contracts, construction and white-collar law.
The Gifts of Mentorship
For Mentorship Month, Greenberg Traurig attorneys Lindsey Groos, who is a mid-level associate, and Lou Ann Brunenn, a shareholder, share perspectives from both sides of the mentee-mentor relationship.
WFH to LAW: Gray Reed’s Renovated Houston Office Aims to Feel Like Home
Coming off a record year in 2021 in which it generated $112.5 million in revenues, the 150-lawyer firm partnered with the architectural and design firm Abel Design Group for a yearlong project to create a “next generation space” at Four Oaks Place in the Galleria, where the firm has been headquartered since 1998. The 61,600 square foot modernized space features more inviting gathering spaces, including a wine lounge and fireplace, and improved technological capabilities.
Gray Reed Chief Operating Officer Mark Gargiulo said the revamped office even coined a new phrase. “Over the last couple of years, everyone has most certainly become familiar with WFH or Work From Home. However, our space has generated questions about how one might Live At Work, ironically abbreviated LAW.”
Texas Law Firms Predict 2022 Revenues, Profits Will Hit Record Highs
Boosted by a huge burst in complex commercial litigation in 2022, many of the largest corporate law firms operating in Texas predict they scored another record year of revenues and profits, according to a new survey of law firm leaders by The Texas Lawbook.
The new survey, which also looks at revenues from firms’ 2022 litigation and M&A practices in Texas, builds on other recent evidence of the successful year for corporate law firms in 2022, including rates of promotion to partner and year-end bonuses for associates. In addition, several law firm leaders openly declare their firms experienced record revenues and profits in 2022.
The Texas Lawbook has exclusive details.
2023 Partner Promotions
Lessons for Lawyer Leaders from Henry Kissinger
“Study history. Study history. In history lie all secrets of statecraft.”
That was the response Henry Kissinger recalls Winston Churchill giving a student who asked how best to prepare for the challenges of leadership. This advice is especially useful for lawyers in the 21st century.
DFW & Houston Litigation Boutiques Having Record 2022, Paying Record Bonuses
Civil jury trials all but disappeared across Texas for 18 months due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but the reopening of the courthouse in 2022 has meant a blockbuster year for most civil litigation-focused law firms. Boutiques specializing in complex commercial disputes report they are experiencing a record number of trials, depositions and courtroom battles in 2022. The result, according to legal industry insiders, is that Houston and Dallas litigation boutiques are projecting record revenues, profits and associate bonuses for 2022.
Litigation Firms Saw ‘Incredibly Busy’ 2022 – Big Associate Bonuses and Promotions to Partner
If 2021 was the year of the corporate M&A lawyer in Texas, this year has been equally good for attorneys who specialize in complex commercial litigation. After being closed for two years due to Covid-19, Texas courthouses reopened in 2022 and many litigation firms experienced record numbers of trials, depositions and courtroom battles. The result, according to experts, is that Houston and Dallas litigation boutiques large and small are projecting record revenues, profits and associate bonuses for 2022. The Texas Lawbook looks at four trial firms as examples.
Baker Botts Awards $20K-$115K Annual Bonuses to Associates
Baker Botts became the first Texas-based law firm to announce year-end bonuses to associates. The Houston-based firm, in a Dec. 2 memo by Baker Botts managing partner John Martin, said associates hired out of law school in 2021 will get a $20,000 bonus this holiday. The scale accelerates up to $115,000 bonuses for seven- and eight-year associates hired in 2015 and before.