Top-20 Dallas Firms Gain Some, Lose Some in 2005

04/06/06

Top-20 Dallas firms gain some, lose some in 2005

A recent study by the American Bar Association Market Research Department reveals that among the top-20 Dallas/Fort Worth firms, 12 increased their overall lawyer count, while six lost attorneys.

Jones Day added the highest number of local lawyers, while Hughes & Luce saw the greatest decline losing almost 13% of its workforce in the area. Jenkens & Gilchrist continued a trend from 2004 by shedding 6.5% of its lawyers.

Dallas/Fort Worth firms also disclosed their 2005 revenues this week. 10 firms saw big gains while two saw declines. The combined revenue rose slightly, from $2.48 billion in 2004 to $2.52 billion in 2005.

Littler Mendelson looks to the Far East
With its client base expanding globally, Littler Mendelson has added offices in Shanghai and Bangalore.

The employment and labor boutique opened a three-person Shanghai office last month. A new Bangalore office is expected to open in October, where the firm plans to focus on U.S.-bound immigration.

In China, the 400-lawyer firm is handling various global immigration matters and assisting multinational corporations with moving to the region. Once established, it also plans to address issues such as medical exams and police department registration.

Meyers Nave to open in LA
Oakland, CA-based Meyers, Nave, Riback, Silver & Wilson is opening a new Los Angeles office.

Joining the office is John Harris, chairman of the environmental/oil and gas department at Richards Watson & Gershon. Meyers Nave currently serves 30 local governments, more than any other firm in the state. It represents more than 135 towns and cities throughout California, 20 county governments, 50 redevelopment agencies and various other public entities, including the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, Los Angeles International Airport and the Port of Los Angeles.

Three years ago, the firm tried to make its way into the Southern California market but couldn't find the right attorneys. It then turned its attention to Sacramento, where it gained success and now has 10 attorneys that plan to move into a larger office by July.

Fowler White in merger with Robison & Folk
Fowler White Boggs Banker has merged with Robison & Folk in Boca Raton, Florida. The merger is part of Fowler White's strategic approach to growing its statewide healthcare practice and expanding its presence in Southeast Florida.

For more than 10 years, Robison & Folk has focused its practice on healthcare transactions and will continue to do so from their Boca Raton office until a new office space is opened in Ft. Lauderdale. Fowler White Boggs Banker has more than 230 attorneys in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Ft. Myers, Tallahassee, Orlando, Naples, West Palm Beach, Bonita Springs, Jacksonville and Boca Raton.

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Lawyer Joke of the day

A prominent young attorney was on his way to court to begin arguments in a complex lawsuit when he suddenly found himself at the Gates of Heaven.

St. Peter started to escort him inside, when he began to protest that his untimely death had to be some sort of mistake.

"I'm much too young to die! I'm only 35 years old," claimed the attorney.

St. Peter agreed that 35 did seem to be a bit young to be entering the pearly gates, and he agreed to check on his case.

After investigating, he told the attorney, "I'm afraid that there is no mistake my son..."

We verified your age on the basis of the number of hours you've billed to your clients, and you're at least 108 years old."