Highlights for the first quarter of 2022: near record-breaking quarter; lateral moves going to non-Texas-based firms jumps to 76%; five new office opens; Energy & Infrastructure gaining steam

WHAT WE’RE SEEING

Potential for Banner Year: This quarter tallied 97 moves, the highest number since Q1 of 2020. January, February and March each saw robust movement, leading us to believe we’ve returned to the pre-pandemic point where momentum was building for breakout growth in Texas.

If the trend continues through 2022, Texas will maintain its place as the hottest market in the country. 

Non-Texas-Based Firms Nab 76% of Lateral Moves: For the past few years, the share of partner moves going to firms based outside of Texas has hovered around 60%. This quarter, however, that number jumped to 76%.

With more firms opening shop in Texas, and more Texas-based being acquired, it’s not surprising to see this shift. But we’d consider this a pretty significant jump.   

Three Firms Move into Texas: The start of 2022 was unusually busy with new entrants into the Texas market. To date, the office openings have attracted nine partner moves.

Jan.: Snell & Wilmer (Dallas)
Jan.: Michelman & Robinson (Dallas)
Feb.: Michelman & Robinson (Houston)
Feb.: Dykema (Houston)
March: Morrison & Foerster (Austin)

Energy Hires on the Rise: While Corporate Litigation and Corporate M&A Securities moves still top the leaderboard, we’re seeing an increase in Energy & Infrastructure hires.

As is typical, Houston has drawn most of these moves; however, Austin attracted its fair share.

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

LIST OF PARTNER MOVES: Q1 OF 2022

Name
New Firm
Old Firm
Practice Area
City
Date Announced
Link
David RoweMunck Wilson MandalaDuBois, Bryant and CampbellCommercial LitigationAustin1/3/2022https://www.munckwilson.com/press_releases/munck-wilson-mandala-welcomes-litigation-partner-david-rowe/
Barry SheltonWinston & StrawnShelton CoburnIntellectual PropertyDallas1/3/2022https://www.winston.com/en/thought-leadership/index.html#!/en/thought-leadership/winston-and-strawn-strengthens-intellectual-property-litigation-team-with-addition-of-barry-shelton-and-bradley-coburn.html?aj=ov
Bradley CoburnWinston & StrawnShelton CoburnIntellectual PropertyDallas1/3/2022https://www.winston.com/en/thought-leadership/index.html#!/en/thought-leadership/winston-and-strawn-strengthens-intellectual-property-litigation-team-with-addition-of-barry-shelton-and-bradley-coburn.html?aj=ov
Scott MascianicaHolland & KnightSECSecurities Litigation and EnforcementDallas1/5/2022https://www.hklaw.com/en/news/pressreleases/2022/01/sec-official-scott-mascianica-joins-holland-and-knight-in-dallas
Juliana SersenBaker BottsERCOTEnergy and InfrastructureAustin1/10/2022https://www.bakerbotts.com/news/2022/01/baker-botts-welcomes-partner-to-energy-regulatory-practice
Joshua FloresJackson WalkerCrain, Caton & JamesTrusts and EstatesHouston1/10/2022https://www.jw.com/news/welcome-houston-fiduciary-team/
Kathleen Tanner BeduzeJackson WalkerCrain, Caton & JamesTrusts and EstatesHouston1/10/2022https://www.jw.com/news/welcome-houston-fiduciary-team/
Sarah Patel PachecoJackson WalkerCrain, Caton & JamesTrusts and EstatesHouston1/10/2022https://www.jw.com/news/welcome-houston-fiduciary-team/
Jason BlackstoneMichelman & RobinsonYarbrough Blackstone LawIntellectual PropertyDallas1/10/2022https://www.mrllp.com/newsroom-headlines-MR-Opens-First-Texas-Office-in-Dallas.html
Matthew YarbroughMichelman & RobinsonYarbrough Blackstone LawIntellectual PropertyDallas1/10/2022https://www.mrllp.com/newsroom-headlines-MR-Opens-First-Texas-Office-in-Dallas.html
Kat LiKirkland & EllisMcKool SmithIntellectual PropertyAustin1/11/2022https://www.kirkland.com/news/press-release/2022/01/kirkland-adds-ip-litigation-partner-kat-li
Scott HancockSnell & WilmerWinsteadTrusts and EstatesDallas1/11/2022https://www.swlaw.com/assets/pdf/news/2022/01/11/Snell&WilmerContinuesGrowthwithNewDallasOffice.pdf
Ryan McBethMcKool SmithBracewellIntellectual PropertyHouston1/13/2022https://www.mckoolsmith.com/newsroom-pressreleases-335
Alex PérezClark HillSañudo PérezTaxSan Antonio1/18/2022https://www.clarkhill.com/news-events/news/clark-hill-adds-alex-perez-to-san-antonio-office/
Marlene WilliamsOgletree DeakinsEversheds SutherlandLabor & EmploymentHouston1/18/2022https://ogletree.com/media-center/press-releases/2022-01-18/ogletree-deakins-expands-houston-office-with-go-to-litigators/
Scott McLaughlinOgletree DeakinsEversheds SutherlandLabor & EmploymentHouston1/18/2022https://ogletree.com/media-center/press-releases/2022-01-18/ogletree-deakins-expands-houston-office-with-go-to-litigators/
Christine Williford MetcalfO’MelvenyLocke Lord Corporate M&A SecuritiesDallas1/19/2022https://www.omm.com/our-firm/media-center/press-releases/omelveny-adds-distinguished-five-partner-corporate-tax-team-in-dallas/
Jack E. JacobsenO’MelvenyLocke Lord Corporate M&A SecuritiesDallas1/19/2022https://www.omm.com/our-firm/media-center/press-releases/omelveny-adds-distinguished-five-partner-corporate-tax-team-in-dallas/
Jason A. SchumacherO’MelvenyLocke Lord Corporate M&A SecuritiesDallas1/19/2022https://www.omm.com/our-firm/media-center/press-releases/omelveny-adds-distinguished-five-partner-corporate-tax-team-in-dallas/
Richard WhitfieldO’MelvenyLocke Lord Corporate M&A SecuritiesDallas1/19/2022https://www.omm.com/our-firm/media-center/press-releases/omelveny-adds-distinguished-five-partner-corporate-tax-team-in-dallas/
Will BeckerO’MelvenyLocke Lord TaxDallas1/19/2022https://www.omm.com/our-firm/media-center/press-releases/omelveny-adds-distinguished-five-partner-corporate-tax-team-in-dallas/
Emma Keyser Polsinelli Snell & WilmerReal EstateHouston1/20/2022https://www.polsinelli.com/newsevents/emma-keyser-joins-polsinelli
Sarah ForttLatham & WatkinsVinson & ElkinsEnvironmentalAustin/Washington, D.C1/24/2022https://www.lw.com/news/latham-watkins-makes-significant-additions-leading-global-esg-advisory-capability
Tim HudsonBarnes & ThornburgHolland & Knight Commercial LitigationDallas1/25/2022https://btlaw.com/en/insights/news/2022/barnes-thornburg-adds-product-liability-partner-tim-hudson-to-dallas-office
Maxwell StubbsWinston & StrawnLocke LordCorporate M&A SecuritiesHouston1/25/2022https://www.winston.com/en/thought-leadership/index.html#!/en/thought-leadership/winston-and-strawn-hires-maxwell-l-stubbs-as-partner-in-houston.html?aj=ov
Daniella LandersWomble Bond DickinsonReed SmithEnvironmentalHouston1/26/2022https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/insights/news-and-insights/womble-bond-dickinson-adds-environmental-partner-houston-office
Kelly CobbJackson WalkerFragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & LoewyImmigrationHouston1/27/2022https://www.jw.com/news/welcome-kelly-cobb-houston/
Brad PughDorsey & WhitneyAkin Gump Strauss Hauer & FeldBanking and FinanceDallas1/28/2022https://www.dorsey.com/newsresources/news/press-releases/2022/01/pugh-joins-dorsey
Ashley ParrishMcGinnis LochridgeCantey HangerCommercial LitigationDallas1/31/2022https://www.mcginnislaw.com/news-10043
James PhillipsMcGinnis LochridgeCantey HangerCommercial LitigationDallas1/31/2022https://www.mcginnislaw.com/news-10043
Lee KirnerMcGinnis LochridgeCantey HangerBanking and FinanceDallas1/31/2022https://www.mcginnislaw.com/news-10043
William Faulk, IIISpencer FaneLloyd Gosselink Rochelle & TownsendEnergy and InfrastructureAustin1/31/2022https://www.spencerfane.com/spencer-fane-continues-to-expand-energy-regulatory-practice-by-adding-lawyers-in-austin/
Anthony Box Gray ReedAssistant U.S. AttorneyWhite Collar Criminal DefenseDallas2/1/2022https://texaslawbook.net/assistant-u-s-attorney-in-missouri-moves-to-gray-reed-in-dallas/
John LandrethMayerCoxCommercial LitigationDallas2/1/2022https://www.mayerllp.com/blog/new-talent-moves-to-mayer
Lindsay GorbachMayer CoxCommercial LitigationDallas2/1/2022https://www.mayerllp.com/blog/new-talent-moves-to-mayer
Lauren VarnadoMichelman & RobinsonMcKool SmithCommercial LitigationHouston2/1/2022https://www.mrllp.com/newsroom-headlines-introducing-Michelman-Robinson-Houston.html
Amanda McKinzieNelson Mullins Riley & ScarboroughBowman and BrookeCommercial LitigationDallas2/1/2022https://www.nelsonmullins.com/idea_exchange/news/press_releases/nelson-mullins-expands-litigation-practice
Cary SlobinNelson Mullins Riley & ScarboroughBowman and BrookeCommercial LitigationDallas2/1/2022https://www.nelsonmullins.com/idea_exchange/news/press_releases/nelson-mullins-expands-litigation-practice
David Stone Nelson Mullins Riley & ScarboroughBowman and BrookeCommercial LitigationDallas2/1/2022https://www.nelsonmullins.com/idea_exchange/news/press_releases/nelson-mullins-expands-litigation-practice
Fred HuntsmanNelson Mullins Riley & ScarboroughBowman and BrookeCommercial LitigationDallas2/1/2022https://www.nelsonmullins.com/idea_exchange/news/press_releases/nelson-mullins-expands-litigation-practice
Karl ViehmanNelson Mullins Riley & ScarboroughBowman and BrookeCommercial LitigationDallas2/1/2022https://www.nelsonmullins.com/idea_exchange/news/press_releases/nelson-mullins-expands-litigation-practice
Kurt KernNelson Mullins Riley & ScarboroughBowman and BrookeCommercial LitigationDallas2/1/2022https://www.nelsonmullins.com/idea_exchange/news/press_releases/nelson-mullins-expands-litigation-practice
Suzanne SwanerNelson Mullins Riley & ScarboroughBowman and BrookeCommercial LitigationDallas2/1/2022https://www.nelsonmullins.com/idea_exchange/news/press_releases/nelson-mullins-expands-litigation-practice
Tanya ScarbroughNelson Mullins Riley & ScarboroughBowman and BrookeCommercial LitigationDallas2/1/2022https://www.nelsonmullins.com/idea_exchange/news/press_releases/nelson-mullins-expands-litigation-practice
Yesenia Cárenas Nelson Mullins Riley & ScarboroughBowman and BrookeCommercial LitigationDallas2/1/2022https://www.nelsonmullins.com/idea_exchange/news/press_releases/nelson-mullins-expands-litigation-practice
Danny AshbyO’MelvenyMorgan, Lewis & BockiusWhite Collar Criminal DefenseDallas2/1/2022https://www.omm.com/our-firm/media-center/press-releases/omelveny-welcomes-distinguished-white-collar-partner-danny-ashby-in-dallas/
Julia PashinAkin GumpShearman & SterlingTaxDallas2/2/2022https://www.akingump.com/en/news-insights/akin-gump-welcomes-energy-focused-tax-partner-julia-pashin-in-dallas.html
Lauren BrogdonHaynes BooneNorton Rose FulbrightEnergy and InfrastructureHouston2/7/2022https://www.haynesboone.com/news/press-releases/lauren-brogdon-joins-haynes-boone
Janice M. SuchytaBaker DonelsonMcGuireWoodsHealth CareHouston2/8/2022https://www.bakerdonelson.com/baker-donelson-adds-janice-m-suchyta-to-health-law-group-in-houston
Donna ClarkNorton Rose FulbrightMorgan LewisHealth CareHouston2/8/2022https://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/en-us/news/3784845b/20220208-norton-rose-fulbright-strengthens-healthcare-practice-with-two-partners-in-houston
Susan Feigin HarrisNorton Rose FulbrightMorgan LewisHealth CareHouston2/8/2022https://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/en-us/news/3784845b/20220208-norton-rose-fulbright-strengthens-healthcare-practice-with-two-partners-in-houston
Paul MoakReed SmithGray ReedBankruptcyHouston2/8/2022https://www.reedsmith.com/en/news/2022/02/paul-d-moak-renowned-restructuring-attorney-and-commercial-litigator
Rebecca Jones McKnightReed SmithDLA PiperHealth CareAustin2/8/2022https://www.reedsmith.com/en/news/2022/02/seasoned-fda-regulatory-and-compliance-partner-joins-reed-smith-in-austin
Jennifer RisoSpencer FaneCokinos YoungCommercial LitigationAustin2/8/2022https://www.spencerfane.com/spencer-fane-welcomes-litigation-partner-to-austin-office/
Bobby VoigtShackelford, Bowen, McKinley & NortonWinstead PCIntellectual PropertyAustin2/9/2022https://shackelford.law/news/shackelford-bolsters-ip-practice-with-addition-of-houston-austin-partners/
Dr. Frank AminiShackelford, Bowen, McKinley & NortonWinstead PCIntellectual PropertyHouston2/9/2022https://shackelford.law/news/shackelford-bolsters-ip-practice-with-addition-of-houston-austin-partners/
Sean RoyallSidley AustinKirkland & EllisAntitrustDallas/Washington, D.C2/10/2022https://www.sidley.com/en/newslanding/newpressreleases/2022/02/leading-antitrust-and-consumer-protection-lawyer-sean-royall-joins-sidley
Arianna GoodmanVedderPriceBell Nunnally & MartinWhite Collar Criminal DefenseDallas2/10/2022https://www.vedderprice.com/vedder-price-expands-dallas-office-with-addition-of-white-collar-shareholders-jeff-ansley-and-arianna-goodman
Jeff Ansley VedderPriceBell Nunnally & MartinWhite Collar Criminal DefenseDallas2/10/2022https://www.vedderprice.com/vedder-price-expands-dallas-office-with-addition-of-white-collar-shareholders-jeff-ansley-and-arianna-goodman
Andrew GreenDykemaMcCathern, Shokouhi, Evans, GrinkeCommercial LitigationHouston2/14/2022https://www.dykema.com/news-insights/dykema-opens-houston-office-with-addition-of-business-litigation-attorneys.html
Isaac VillarrealDykemaMcCathern, Shokouhi, Evans, GrinkeCommercial LitigationHouston2/14/2022https://www.dykema.com/news-insights/dykema-opens-houston-office-with-addition-of-business-litigation-attorneys.html
Chuck Jeremiah Jackson LewisAndrews MyersLabor & EmploymentHouston2/14/2022https://www.jacksonlewis.com/news/jackson-lewis-expands-houston-office-addition-four-new-attorneys
Kenneth J. HarderJackson LewisDunbar HarderEnergy and InfrastructureHouston2/14/2022https://www.jacksonlewis.com/news/jackson-lewis-expands-houston-office-addition-four-new-attorneys
Paige Taylor BennettJackson LewisDaniels & TredennickLabor & EmploymentHouston2/14/2022https://www.jacksonlewis.com/news/jackson-lewis-expands-houston-office-addition-four-new-attorneys
Justin MapesLocke Lord Highgate HotelsReal EstateDallas2/15/2022https://www.lockelord.com/newsandevents/news/2022/02/justin-mapes-joins-locke-lord-dallas
Katie HullMcGuireWoodsSheppard Mullin Richter & HamptonCorporate M&A SecuritiesDallas2/15/2022https://www.mcguirewoods.com/news/press-releases/2022/2/katie-hull-joins-mcguirewoods-global-private-equity-team
John BakhtNorton Rose FulbrightGray ReedCorporate M&A SecuritiesHouston2/15/2022https://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/en-us/news/1fc0614c/norton-rose-fulbright-enhances-corporate-and-ma-practice-with-new-houston-partner
Willie WoodPillsbury Winthrop Shaw PittmanMcKool SmithEnergy and InfrastructureHouston2/16/2022https://www.pillsburylaw.com/en/news-and-insights/willie-wood-new-partner-energy-disputes.html
Rebecca FikeVinson & ElkinsSECSecurities Litigation and EnforcementDallas2/22/2022https://www.velaw.com/news/sec-senior-counsel-rebecca-fike-rejoins-vinson-elkins-as-partner/
Brandon RenkenMayer BrownLocke Lord Commercial LitigationHouston2/28/2022https://www.mayerbrown.com/en/news/2022/02/mayer-brown-continues-growth-of-houston-office-with-trial-lawyer-brandon-renken
Amy WelbornGordon Rees Scully MansukhaniHawkins Parnell & YoungCommercial LitigationAustin3/1/2022https://www.grsm.com/newsroom/2022/gordon-rees-expands-with-addition-preeminent-ett-and-commercial-litigation-group
Ashley PressonGordon Rees Scully MansukhaniHawkins Parnell & YoungEnvironmentalAustin3/1/2022https://www.grsm.com/newsroom/2022/gordon-rees-expands-with-addition-preeminent-ett-and-commercial-litigation-group
Christopher EgeGordon Rees Scully MansukhaniHawkins Parnell & YoungEnvironmentalAustin3/1/2022https://www.grsm.com/newsroom/2022/gordon-rees-expands-with-addition-preeminent-ett-and-commercial-litigation-group
Kimberly SolomonGordon Rees Scully MansukhaniHawkins Parnell & YoungEnvironmentalAustin3/1/2022https://www.grsm.com/newsroom/2022/gordon-rees-expands-with-addition-preeminent-ett-and-commercial-litigation-group
Ranelle MeroneyGordon Rees Scully MansukhaniHawkins Parnell & YoungCommercial LitigationAustin3/1/2022https://www.grsm.com/newsroom/2022/gordon-rees-expands-with-addition-preeminent-ett-and-commercial-litigation-group
Troy HellingGordon Rees Scully MansukhaniHawkins Parnell & YoungCommercial LitigationDallas3/1/2022https://www.grsm.com/newsroom/2022/gordon-rees-expands-with-addition-preeminent-ett-and-commercial-litigation-group
Mishell Parreno TaylorAkermanLittlerLabor & EmploymentHouston and Los Angeles 3/2/2022https://www.akerman.com/en/firm/newsroom/akerman-expands-houston-and-los-angeles-offices-with-labor-and-employment-partner-mishell-parreno-taylor.html
Jim NoeHolland & KnightJones WalkerEnergy and InfrastructureHouston/Washington, D.C3/7/2022https://www.hklaw.com/en/news/pressreleases/2022/03/experienced-energy-industry-attorney-james-noe-joins
Aaron FountainMorrison & FoersterDLA PiperIntellectual PropertyAustin3/7/2022https://www.mofo.com/resources/news/220307-mofo-opens-austin-office.html
Brian NashMorrison & FoersterPillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman Intellectual PropertyAustin3/7/2022https://www.mofo.com/resources/news/220307-mofo-opens-austin-office.html
Steve TyndallMorrison & FoersterPillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman Corporate M&A SecuritiesAustin3/7/2022https://www.mofo.com/resources/news/220307-mofo-opens-austin-office.html
Catherine J. WebkingSpencer FaneScott Douglass & McConnicoEnergy and InfrastructureAustin3/7/2022https://www.spencerfane.com/spencer-fane-announces-expansion-of-growing-utilities-practice/
Don McDermettWinston & StrawnBaker BottsCorporate M&A SecuritiesDallas3/7/2022https://www.winston.com/en/thought-leadership/index.html#!/en/thought-leadership/winston-expands-dallas-manda-team-with-addition-of-don-mcdermett.html?aj=ov
Anne JohnsonTillotson Johnson and PattonHaynes and BooneAppellateDallas3/8/2022https://www.tillotsonlaw.com/elite-appellate-lawyer-anne-johnson-joins-forces-with-jeff-tillotson/
Seth IsgurMcGinnis LochridgeNorton Rose FulbrightEnergy and InfrastructureHouston3/9/2022https://www.mcginnislaw.com/news-10045
Catherine HawsCantey HangerCarrington ColemanTrusts and EstatesDallas3/11/2022https://canteyhanger.com/news/partner-catherine-haws-joins-cantey-hanger-llp-in-dallas-associate-ali-mosser-to-assist-litigators-in-fort-worth/
Travis OdomDuane MorrisMcCusker, Anselmi, Rosen & CarvelliLabor & EmploymentHouston3/11/2022https://www.duanemorris.com/news/duane_morris_adds_employment_attorney_houston_0322.html
Nina Bianchi SkinnerBlank RomeLiskow & LewisCorporate M&A SecuritiesHouston3/14/2022https://www.blankrome.com/news/blank-rome-continues-expansion-corporate-ma-and-securities-group-partner-houston
Bruce C. HerzogLatham & WatkinsWillkie Farr & GallagherCorporate M&A SecuritiesHouston3/18/2022https://www.lw.com/news/latham-expands-private-equity-practice-houston-preeminent-practitioner
Christopher R.J. PaceWinston & StrawnJones DayCommercial LitigationDallas3/21/2022https://www.winston.com/en/thought-leadership/index.html#!/en/thought-leadership/national-litigator-christopher-rj-pace-joins-winston-and-strawn-litigation-practice.html?aj=ov
Courtney BristowJackson WalkerCassin & Cassin Banking and FinanceDallas3/22/2022https://www.jw.com/news/welcome-courtney-bristow/
Justin VandenBoutNorton Rose FulbrightChamberlain HrdlickaCommercial LitigationHouston3/28/2022https://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/en-us/news/c5016e2f/norton-rose-fulbright-strengthens-mass-tort-practice-with-trial-lawyer-in-houston
Ryan PrestonFrost Brown ToddReed Smith Corporate M&A SecuritiesDallas3/29/2022https://frostbrowntodd.com/members-ryan-preston-and-sam-joyner-join-frost-brown-todds-dallas-office/
Samuel JoynerFrost Brown ToddShore Chan Energy and InfrastructureDallas3/29/2022https://frostbrowntodd.com/members-ryan-preston-and-sam-joyner-join-frost-brown-todds-dallas-office/
Jani LotzLocke LordWinsteadReal EstateDallas3/29/2022https://www.lockelord.com/newsandevents/news/2022/03/jani-lotz-joins-in-dallas

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