Global law firm
Latham and Watkins is continuing its strategic expansion in Texas with plans to open a new office in Dallas, further strengthening its presence in one of the fastest-growing legal and business markets in the United States. The move is accompanied by the
hiring of two experienced litigation partners, signaling the firm’s intention to build a strong foundation in North Texas from the outset.
The planned Dallas office reflects
Latham Watkins’ broader growth strategy, which focuses on aligning its practices with regions experiencing sustained corporate expansion, increased litigation activity, and rising demand for high-level legal services. Texas, and Dallas in particular, has become a magnet for companies relocating headquarters, expanding operations, or increasing investment across industries such as private equity, technology, healthcare, and energy.
To anchor the new office, Latham Watkins has recruited veteran litigator Taj J. Clayton, who joins from Kirkland and Ellis, along with Scott Thomas, formerly of Winston and Strawn. Both partners bring extensive experience handling complex, high-stakes litigation and have established strong professional ties within the Texas legal community.
Clayton is known for representing major corporate clients in significant commercial disputes, including cases involving allegations of fraud, breach of contract, and negligence. His background includes litigation in both state and federal courts, with a focus on matters that often draw national attention. Thomas similarly offers a broad litigation practice,
encompassing commercial litigation, securities disputes, and white-collar defense, making him a strategic addition as Latham expands its trial capabilities in the region.
While Latham Watkins has not yet announced the official opening date or office location in Dallas, the firm has confirmed that the new hires are part of its broader plan to establish a full-service presence in the city. The Dallas expansion will complement Latham’s existing Texas offices in Houston and Austin. The Houston office, launched in 2010, has long served energy and corporate clients, while the Austin office, opened in 2021, supports technology companies, emerging businesses, and venture capital activity.
Dallas has become an increasingly competitive legal market,
attracting numerous Am Law 100 firms over the past decade. Law firms are drawn to the region by its business-friendly regulatory environment, lower operating costs compared to coastal cities, and a steady influx of Fortune 500 companies and private equity sponsors. As corporate clients shift operations to North Texas, demand has surged for sophisticated litigation, regulatory, and transactional counsel with local insight and national reach.
For Latham Watkins, the Dallas office represents an opportunity to deepen relationships with existing clients while positioning the firm to capture new work generated by regional growth. Firm leaders have emphasized that the expansion is client-driven, reflecting increased demand for Latham’s litigation and advisory services in Texas courts and beyond. By adding experienced partners with strong regional reputations, the firm aims to accelerate its integration into the Dallas legal market.
The move also underscores a broader trend within the legal industry:
elite national and global firms are increasingly decentralizing beyond traditional hubs such as New York, Washington, and Los Angeles. Texas has emerged as a focal point of this shift, with Dallas standing out as a center for corporate relocations, complex litigation, and financial services activity. As competition intensifies, firms are prioritizing talent acquisition and local market knowledge to differentiate themselves.
From a recruiting and career perspective, Latham Watkins’ Dallas expansion is likely to create additional opportunities for associates, counsel, and professional staff in the region. New offices typically require rapid team growth, offering lawyers the chance to work on high-profile matters while benefiting from the firm’s global platform. For laterals, the move signals continued demand for experienced litigators with Texas credentials.
As Latham Watkins moves forward with its Dallas plans, the firm joins a growing list of major law firms betting on North Texas as a long-term engine of legal work. With strong leadership hires and an established Texas presence already in place, the new Dallas office positions Latham to compete aggressively in one of the most dynamic legal markets in the country.
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