Highlights for the first quarter of 2020: huge start to Q1 outpacing 2019 and 2018; more M&A partner moves than all of last year; Dallas keeps hot streak with new office openings; now isn’t the time for “wait-and-see”

Why “Wait and See” is the Wrong Move Right Now

We certainly understand, in this very uncertain time, why firms would be inclined to put everything on hold and wait to see how things shake out post-COVID-19 shutdown. 

But those that have a strategic plan in place, that can move forward in some way right now, are more likely to outpace those that opt to freeze in place. As noted earlier in this newsletter, there were a stunning 32 partner moves in March, more than half of which occurred after much of the state enacted work-from-home measures. And nine of those late-March moves were hard-to-get M&A attorneys. 

Clearly some firms are still building up their benches — those whose organizational structure, technology infrastructure, culture and finances have allowed for quick adaptation. Prudent action now could mean the difference between losing valuable talent that stymies recovery, or strengthening your talent pool to help keep business thriving.

To see the complete newsletter, with data and analysis for this quarter, click the button below. 

LIST OF PARTNER MOVES: Q1 OF 2020

Name
New Firm
Old Firm
Practice Area
City
Date Announced
Link
Bruce HendrickCarrington ColemanThe Hendrick FirmCorporate M&A SecuritiesDallas1/1/2020https://www.ccsb.com/carrington-coleman-building-upon-middle-market-expertise/
George LeeCarrington ColemanPolsinelliCorporate M&A SecuritiesDallas1/1/2020https://www.ccsb.com/carrington-coleman-building-upon-middle-market-expertise/
Douglas J. PaulMcGinnis LochridgeThe Blum FirmTrusts and EstatesAustin1/2/2020http://www.mcginnislochridge.com/news/post/mcginnis-lochridge-welcomes-douglas-j.-paul-and-emily-r.-franco
James DrakeleySpencer FaneHiersche, Hayward, Drakeley & UrbachCommercial LitigationPlano1/2/2020https://www.spencerfane.com/spencer-fane-welcomes-9-new-attorneys-in-dallas-metroplex/
Scott SeifertSpencer FaneHiersche, Hayward, Drakeley & UrbachCommercial LitigationPlano1/2/2020https://www.spencerfane.com/spencer-fane-welcomes-9-new-attorneys-in-dallas-metroplex/
James PattersonSpencer FaneHiersche, Hayward, Drakeley & UrbachCorporate M&A SecuritiesPlano1/2/2020https://www.spencerfane.com/spencer-fane-welcomes-9-new-attorneys-in-dallas-metroplex/
Paul D. MoakGray ReedMcKool SmithBankruptcyHouston1/6/2020https://www.grayreed.com/NewsResources/Press-Releases/172704/Gray-Reed-Welcomes-Corporate-Restructuring-Bankruptcy-Partner-in-Houston
Rob FowlerKirkland & Ellis Baker BottsEmployee BenefitsHouston1/6/2020https://www.kirkland.com/news/press-release/2020/01/executive-compensation-attorney-rob-fowler-joins
Robert BabcockClark HillGSAGovernment Relations/Government ContractsDallas1/7/2020https://www.clarkhill.com/press/former-gsa-regional-administrator-robert-babcock-joins-clark-hill-in-government-regulatory-affairs-practice-in-dallas
T. Ray GuyFrost Brown ToddWeil, Gotshal & MangesCommercial LitigationDallas1/7/2020https://frostbrowntodd.com/t-ray-guy-joins-frost-brown-todds-dallas-office/
John Thomas HollandGreenberg TraurigAkin Gump Strauss Hauer & FeldCorporate M&A SecuritiesDallas1/9/2020https://www.gtlaw.com/en/news/2020/1/press-releases/greenberg-traurig-continues-strategic-growth-of-corporate-practice-adds-john-holland-in-dallas
Steven ZagerKing & SpaldingAkin Gump Strauss Hauer & FeldCommercial LitigationAustin1/9/2020https://www.kslaw.com/news-and-insights/king-spalding-adds-noted-trial-lawyer-steven-zager-to-austin-office
Nicolas BordaReed SmithHaynes and BooneEnergy and InfrastructureHouston1/9/2020https://www.reedsmith.com/en/news/2020/01/crossborder-energy-transactions-lawyer-nicolas-borda-joins-reed-smith
Brian ZavislakSpencer FaneGallagher & KennedyReal EstateDallas1/13/2020https://www.spencerfane.com/spencer-fane-strengthens-real-estate-practice-with-addition-of-two-laterals/
Philip JordanGray ReedCrossing Rocks Energy IIEnergy and InfrastructureDallas1/20/2020https://www.grayreed.com/NewsResources/Press-Releases/173802/Gray-Reed-Adds-Partner-to-Oil-Gas-Practice
Kim AskewDLA PiperK&L GatesLabor and EmploymentDallas1/21/2020https://www.dlapiper.com/en/us/news/2020/01/kim-askew-joins-dla-pipers-employment-practice-in-dallas/
Gaye LentzBaker BottsThompson & KnightEnergy and InfrastructureAustin1/22/2020https://www.bakerbotts.com/news/2020/01/baker-botts-adds-renowned-oil-and-gas-transactional-lawyer-in-austin
E. Dale BurrusSpencer FaneKroger Burrus NelsonHealth CareHouston1/22/2020https://www.spencerfane.com/spencer-fane-again-expands-houston-office-with-addition-of-7-attorneys/
Lauren M. NelsonSpencer FaneKroger Burrus NelsonHealth CareHouston1/22/2020https://www.spencerfane.com/spencer-fane-again-expands-houston-office-with-addition-of-7-attorneys/
DeAndrea C. WashingtonSpencer FaneJackson LewisLabor and EmploymentHouston1/22/2020https://www.spencerfane.com/spencer-fane-again-expands-houston-office-with-addition-of-7-attorneys/
Ruthie WhiteSpencer FaneJackson LewisLabor and EmploymentHouston1/22/2020https://www.spencerfane.com/spencer-fane-again-expands-houston-office-with-addition-of-7-attorneys/
Eric JohnsonWinston & StrawnLocke LordCorporate M&A SecuritiesHouston1/24/2020https://www.winston.com/en/thought-leadership/index.html#!/en/thought-leadership/winston-adds-leading-energy-capital-markets-and-manda-team-in-houston-to-expand-corporate-practice.html?aj=ov
Michael BlankenshipWinston & StrawnLocke LordCorporate M&A SecuritiesHouston1/24/2020https://www.winston.com/en/thought-leadership/index.html#!/en/thought-leadership/winston-adds-leading-energy-capital-markets-and-manda-team-in-houston-to-expand-corporate-practice.html?aj=ov
Al AxeMcGinnis LochridgeWinsteadEnvironmentalAustin1/27/2020http://www.mcginnislochridge.com/news/post/mcginnis-lochridge-continues-growth-with-addition-of-5-environmental-attorneys-from-winstead
Derek SealMcGinnis LochridgeWinsteadEnvironmentalAustin1/27/2020http://www.mcginnislochridge.com/news/post/mcginnis-lochridge-continues-growth-with-addition-of-5-environmental-attorneys-from-winstead
Keith CourtenyMcGinnis LochridgeWinsteadEnvironmentalAustin1/27/2020http://www.mcginnislochridge.com/news/post/mcginnis-lochridge-continues-growth-with-addition-of-5-environmental-attorneys-from-winstead
Lisa DyarMcGinnis LochridgeWinsteadEnvironmentalAustin1/27/2020http://www.mcginnislochridge.com/news/post/mcginnis-lochridge-continues-growth-with-addition-of-5-environmental-attorneys-from-winstead
Douglas E. StewartThompson & KnightWinsteadReal EstateHouston1/27/2020https://www.tklaw.com/news-insights/news/thompson-knight-expands-real-estate-practice-group-with-two-partners
Joe FlackJackson WalkerLaw offices of Joe F. Flack, Jr.Energy and InfrastructureHouston1/28/2020https://www.jw.com/news/jackson-walker-new-partners-january-2020/
David ParkerJackson WalkerGreenberg TraurigReal EstateHouston1/28/2020https://www.jw.com/news/jackson-walker-new-partners-january-2020/
John WittenbergJackson WalkerFrost BankBanking and FinanceSan Antonio1/28/2020https://www.jw.com/news/jackson-walker-new-partners-january-2020/
David BowsherBalch & BinghamAdams and ReeseCorporate M&A SecuritiesHouston1/31/2020https://www.balch.com/news-and-events/news/2020/01/balch-opens-houston-office
Philip DunlapBalch & BinghamBoyarMillerCorporate M&A SecuritiesHouston1/31/2020https://www.balch.com/news-and-events/news/2020/01/balch-opens-houston-office
Philip LauMayer BrownLocke LordEnergy and InfrastructureHouston1/31/2020https://www.mayerbrown.com/en/news/2020/01/mayer-brown-fuels-energy-capabilities-with-addition-of-partner-philip-lau-in-houston
Richard D. SalgadoJones DayDentonsCommercial LitigationDallas2/1/2020https://www.jonesday.com/en/news/2020/02/richard-salgado-returns-to-jones-day
Charles WalkerGibson, Dunn & CrutcherOrrick, Herrington & SutcliffeCorporate M&A SecuritiesHouston2/3/2020https://www.gibsondunn.com/corporate-partners-ed-batts-and-charles-walker-join-gibson-dunn/
Amy LottGray ReedCarrington, Coleman, Sloman & BlumenthalCorporate M&A SecuritiesDallas2/3/2020https://www.grayreed.com/NewsResources/Press-Releases/176008/Gray-Reed-Adds-MA-Partner-in-Dallas
Fred Gaona IIIFrost Brown ToddGray ReedLabor and EmploymentDallas2/4/2020https://frostbrowntodd.com/labor-and-employment-member-fred-gaona-joins-frost-brown-todd/
Jason DavisSpencer FaneCrain Caton & JamesReal EstateHouston2/4/2020https://www.spencerfane.com/spencer-fane-names-davis-partner-in-houston-office/
Denise L. MayfieldDykemaHusch BlackwellIntellectual PropertyAustin2/5/2020https://www.dykema.com/news-press-ip-attorney-denise-mayfield-joins-dykemas-austin-office_020520.html
James MarrowWright Close & BargerHogan & HoganCommercial LitigationHouston2/7/2020http://www.wrightclosebarger.com/our-news/three-new-attorneys-wright-close-barger/
Justin StolteLatham & WatkinsGibson DunnCorporate M&A SecuritiesHouston2/10/2020https://www.lw.com/news/prominent-partner-rejoins-houston
Alain DermarkarShearman & SterlingJones DayCorporate M&A SecuritiesDallas2/10/2020https://www.shearman.com/news-and-events/news/2020/02/shearman-expands-in-texas-with-new-dallas-office
Robert CardoneShearman & SterlingJones DayCorporate M&A SecuritiesDallas2/10/2020https://www.shearman.com/news-and-events/news/2020/02/shearman-expands-in-texas-with-new-dallas-office
Scott CohenShearman & SterlingJones DayCorporate M&A SecuritiesDallas2/10/2020https://www.shearman.com/news-and-events/news/2020/02/shearman-expands-in-texas-with-new-dallas-office
Sean McKennaSpencer FaneLaw Office of Sean McKennaHealth CareDallas2/11/2020https://www.spencerfane.com/spencer-fane-adds-partner-in-dallas-with-strong-government-background/
Ingrid A. MyersKing & SpaldingMorgan LewisEnergy and InfrastructureHouston2/13/2020https://www.kslaw.com/news-and-insights/king-spalding-recruits-construction-partner-ingrid-myers-to-its-corporate-finance-and-investments-practice
Christina Ponig MaccioOrrickDLA PiperCommercial LitigationHouston2/13/2020https://www.orrick.com/en/News/2020/02/Orrick-Adds-First-Chair-Litigator-Christina-Maccio-in-Houston
M. Craig TylerPerkins CoieVinson & ElkinsCommercial LitigationAustin2/13/2020https://www.perkinscoie.com/en/news-insights/perkins-coie-announces-new-office-in-austin.html
Andrew SmetanaPerkins CoieVinson & ElkinsCorporate M&A SecuritiesAustin2/13/2020https://www.perkinscoie.com/en/news-insights/perkins-coie-announces-new-office-in-austin.html
Jose VillarrealPerkins CoieWilson SonsiniIntellectual PropertyAustin2/13/2020https://www.perkinscoie.com/en/news-insights/perkins-coie-announces-new-office-in-austin.html
Corinne SmithWinsteadClark HillHealth CareAustin2/13/2020https://www.winstead.com/News/Firm-News/343410/Winstead-Bolsters-Healthcare-Industry-Group-by-Adding-Four-Seasoned-Attorneys-in-Austin-Office
Kevin WoodWinsteadClark HillHealth CareAustin2/13/2020https://www.winstead.com/News/Firm-News/343410/Winstead-Bolsters-Healthcare-Industry-Group-by-Adding-Four-Seasoned-Attorneys-in-Austin-Office
Lance MetcalfWhitaker ChalkMetcalf Adair Law FirmCorporate M&A SecuritiesFort Worth2/17/2020https://www.whitakerchalk.com/lance-b-metcalf-jd-mba-cpa-joins-whitaker-chalk/
Emery ChoiWhite & Case Vinson & ElkinsCorporate M&A SecuritiesHouston2/18/2020https://www.whitecase.com/news/press-release/white-case-continues-expand-its-houston-office-two-new-partners
Mingda ZhaoWhite & Case Vinson & ElkinsCorporate M&A SecuritiesHouston2/18/2020https://www.whitecase.com/news/press-release/white-case-continues-expand-its-houston-office-two-new-partners
Jim MarkusHaynes and BooneVinson & ElkinsBanking and FinanceDallas2/19/2020https://www.haynesboone.com/press-releases/jim-markus-and-tim-johnston-join-haynes-and-boone
Tim JohnstonHaynes and BooneVinson & ElkinsBanking and FinanceDallas2/19/2020https://www.haynesboone.com/press-releases/jim-markus-and-tim-johnston-join-haynes-and-boone
Eliot BurrissHolland & KnightMcDermott Will & EmeryCommercial LitigationDallas2/20/2020https://www.hklaw.com/en/news/pressreleases/2020/02/holland-knight-propels-national-expansion
Justo MendezHolland & KnightClark HillHealth CareHouston2/20/2020https://www.hklaw.com/en/news/pressreleases/2020/02/holland-knight-propels-national-expansion
Samuel LouisHolland & KnightClark HillWhite Collar Criminal DefenseHouston2/20/2020https://www.hklaw.com/en/news/pressreleases/2020/02/holland-knight-propels-national-expansion
Nigel StarkReed SmithK&L GatesCorporate M&A SecuritiesDallas2/20/2020https://www.reedsmith.com/en/news/2020/02/reed-smith-continues-to-grow-dallas-office-with-addition-of-nigel-stark
Derek J. AnchondoBalch & BinghamHFWEnergy and InfrastructureHouston2/25/2020https://www.balch.com/news-and-events/news/2020/02/balch-continues-expansion-in-tx-derek-anchondo
Richard ResslerMichael BestRWR LegalCorporate M&A SecuritiesAustin2/26/2020https://www.michaelbest.com/Newsroom/230638/Jumping-into-Hot-Startup-Market-Michael-Best-Absorbs-Austin-Boutique
Shari Wynne ResslerMichael BestRWR LegalCorporate M&A SecuritiesAustin2/26/2020https://www.michaelbest.com/Newsroom/230638/Jumping-into-Hot-Startup-Market-Michael-Best-Absorbs-Austin-Boutique
Cary FarrisAkermanWinsteadLabor and EmploymentHouston3/2/2020https://www.akerman.com/en/firm/newsroom/akerman-grows-texas-presence-with-labor-and-employment-litigators-cary-farris-and-john-linker.html
John LinkerAkermanWinsteadLabor and EmploymentHouston3/2/2020https://www.akerman.com/en/firm/newsroom/akerman-grows-texas-presence-with-labor-and-employment-litigators-cary-farris-and-john-linker.html
Gary SolomonFoley & LardnerDentonsIntellectual propertyDallas3/2/2020https://www.foley.com/en/insights/news/2020/03/foley-deepens-ip-electronics-bench-dc-dallas
Stephen JacobsonKirkland & Ellis Vinson & ElkinsEmployee BenefitsHouston3/2/2020https://www.kirkland.com/news/press-release/2020/03/exec-comp-stephen-jacobson-joins-kirkland-houston
Marc D. CabreraPolsinelliLocke Lord Commercial LitigationDallas3/2/2020https://www.polsinelli.com/newsevents/polsinelli-grows-financial-services-litigation
Zubin KhambattaPerkins CoieHusch BlackwellHealth CareAustin3/3/2020https://www.perkinscoie.com/en/news-insights/perkins-coie-adds-healthcare-partner-zubin-khambatta-to-austin-office.html
Katharine Battaia ClarkThompson CoburnHedrick KringBankruptcyDallas3/3/2020https://www.thompsoncoburn.com/news-events/news/2020-03-03/national-law-firm-thompson-coburn-lands-four-heavy-hitters-in-new-dallas-office
Elizabeth MyersThompson CoburnThompson & KnightCommercial LitigationDallas3/3/2020https://www.thompsoncoburn.com/news-events/news/2020-03-03/national-law-firm-thompson-coburn-lands-four-heavy-hitters-in-new-dallas-office
Jennifer EcklundThompson CoburnThompson & KnightCommercial LitigationDallas3/3/2020https://www.thompsoncoburn.com/news-events/news/2020-03-03/national-law-firm-thompson-coburn-lands-four-heavy-hitters-in-new-dallas-office
Nicole WilliamsThompson CoburnThompson & KnightCommercial LitigationDallas3/3/2020https://www.thompsoncoburn.com/news-events/news/2020-03-03/national-law-firm-thompson-coburn-lands-four-heavy-hitters-in-new-dallas-office
Michael T. MurphyWinston & StrawnK&L GatesCommercial LitigationHouston3/3/2020https://www.winston.com/en/thought-leadership/index.html#!/en/thought-leadership/texas-lawyer-profiles-new-houston-partner-michael-murphy.html?aj=ov
Jeffrey HarveyHolland & KnightPrimeSource Building Products Inc.Corporate M&A SecuritiesDallas3/5/2020https://www.hklaw.com/en/news/pressreleases/2020/03/holland-adds-former-in-house-gc-jeffrey-harvey
Cheryl BurtzelSpencer FaneDuggins Wren Mann & RomeroPrivacy & Data SecurityAustin3/5/2020https://www.spencerfane.com/spencer-fane-expands-reach-in-texas-with-opening-of-austin-office/
Ann Marie CowdreyShearman & SterlingThompson & KnightCorporate M&A SecuritiesDallas3/10/2020https://www.shearman.com/news-and-events/news/2020/03/shearman-and-sterling-welcomes-ann-marie-cowdrey-and-nathan-meredith-to-dallas-office
Nathan MeredithShearman & SterlingThompson & KnightCorporate M&A SecuritiesDallas3/10/2020https://www.shearman.com/news-and-events/news/2020/03/shearman-and-sterling-welcomes-ann-marie-cowdrey-and-nathan-meredith-to-dallas-office
Laura AlanizPorter HedgesThompson, Coe, Cousins & IronsLabor and EmploymentHouston3/11/2020https://www.porterhedges.com/newsroom-news-porter-hedges-expands-employment-practice-with-new
Eric WilliamsAkin GumpHaynes and BooneCorporate M&A SecuritiesDallas3/16/2020https://www.akingump.com/en/news-insights/akin-gump-grows-dallas-corporate-team-with-addition-of-transactional-focused-partner-duo.html
Ryan CoxAkin GumpHaynes and BooneCorporate M&A SecuritiesDallas3/16/2020https://www.akingump.com/en/news-insights/akin-gump-grows-dallas-corporate-team-with-addition-of-transactional-focused-partner-duo.html
Dale SmithMayer BrownBracewellEnergy and InfrastructureHouston3/16/2020https://www.mayerbrown.com/en/news/2020/03/mayer-brown-strengthens-energy-capabilities-with-addition-of-partner-dale-smith-in-houston
Derek V. ForinashPorter HedgesW.D. Von Gonten LaboratoriesIntellectual PropertyHouston3/16/2020https://www.porterhedges.com/newsroom-news-porter-hedges-welcomes-back-derek-forinash
Ryan M. T. AllenCoats RoseFerguson Braswell Fraser KubastaCommercial Litigation Dallas3/17/2020https://www.coatsrose.com/two-litigators-join-dallas-office/
Robert LinkinMunck Wilson MandalaDuggins Wren Mann & RomeroSecurities Litigation and EnforcementAustin3/17/2020https://www.munckwilson.com/press_releases/munck-wilson-mandala-welcomes-litigation-partner-robert-linkin/
Denise MudigereHolland & KnightMcDermott Will & EmeryTaxDallas3/23/2020https://www.hklaw.com/en/news/pressreleases/2020/03/tax-controversy-partner-denise-mudigere-joins-holland-and--knight
L. David AndersonBakerHostetlerWick PhillipsCommercial LitigationDallas3/25/2020https://www.bakerlaw.com/press/bakerhostetler-confirms-commitment-to-serving-clients-in-texas-with-opening-of-dallas-office
Tamara D. BaggettBakerHostetlerBarnes & ThornburgCommercial LitigationDallas3/25/2020https://www.bakerlaw.com/press/bakerhostetler-confirms-commitment-to-serving-clients-in-texas-with-opening-of-dallas-office
Jordan T. BetheaBakerHostetlerWick PhillipsCorporate M&A SecuritiesDallas3/25/2020https://www.bakerlaw.com/press/bakerhostetler-confirms-commitment-to-serving-clients-in-texas-with-opening-of-dallas-office
Patrick H. Rose IVBakerHostetlerWick PhillipsCorporate M&A SecuritiesDallas3/25/2020https://www.bakerlaw.com/press/bakerhostetler-confirms-commitment-to-serving-clients-in-texas-with-opening-of-dallas-office
Robert A. SchroederBakerHostetlerWick PhillipsCorporate M&A SecuritiesDallas3/25/2020https://www.bakerlaw.com/press/bakerhostetler-confirms-commitment-to-serving-clients-in-texas-with-opening-of-dallas-office
Ryan D. GorscheBakerHostetlerKirkland & EllisCorporate M&A SecuritiesDallas3/25/2020https://www.bakerlaw.com/press/bakerhostetler-confirms-commitment-to-serving-clients-in-texas-with-opening-of-dallas-office
Todd J. ThorsonBakerHostetlerWinston & StrawnCorporate M&A SecuritiesDallas3/25/2020https://www.bakerlaw.com/press/bakerhostetler-confirms-commitment-to-serving-clients-in-texas-with-opening-of-dallas-office
Matt HunsakerBakerHostetlerBaker BottsTaxDallas3/25/2020https://www.bakerlaw.com/press/bakerhostetler-confirms-commitment-to-serving-clients-in-texas-with-opening-of-dallas-office
Sonja McGillSpencer FaneBell Nunnally & MartinLabor and EmploymentDallas3/30/2020https://www.spencerfane.com/spencer-fane-welcomes-sonja-mcgill-as-a-partner-in-firms-dallas-labor-employment-practice/

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