Texas' Legal Landscape: Thriving Economy and the Rise of Smaller Law Firms

Despite rising interest rates across the US, Texas’ economic diversification means the state is well-placed to continue to thrive and maintain its position as an economic powerhouse. As an independent country, Texas alone would be a top 10 global economy by GDP.

A tremendous number of Fortune 500’s have relocated to Austin, Dallas and Houston increasing investment in the state. For law firms, heightened regulatory scrutiny of such companies in the areas of White-Collar Crime, Antitrust and Labor & Employment both nationally and globally, continue to attract large amounts of litigation.  

Energy transitions efforts, driven by federal incentives, private-equity investment and oil & gas majors looking to diversity their asset portfolios have brought significant legal work to Texas. Houston has further cemented itself as not only the oil & gas capital, but the Energy capital of America. Austin, home to a burgeoning tech hub has benefited from energy-adjacent tech development and related IP activity.

Post-Covid, there has been a trend of law firm clients looking to reduce the number of attorneys on file, as such, corporate clients are turning to smaller firms with top talent to efficiently meet their needs. These excellent firms can bring to bear their big firm expertise on a personalised level, leveraging their local presence and knowledge to effectively service businesses all around the country.

Chambers Regional Spotlight Texas recognizes the best small to medium law firms in Texas taking a sizeable share of the legal work in this vibrant legal market, whether supporting Big Tech clients in patent and copyright work, Energy companies in M&A or handling disputes for large corporates. 

Chambers currently has 15 Texas Regional Spotlight tables, that showcase the best small to medium firms in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, and San Antonio.

View the 2023 Texas Regional Spotlight Tables here.

Research for our 2024 Texas Regional Spotlight Guide opens in September, we are interested in learning more about what makes your small to medium sized law firm unique and sharing that story with our global audience, bridging the gap between in-house counsel and small to medium-sized firms. According to an independent survey a ranking helps firms and lawyers win work, attract the best talent, and stand out from their competitors.

Chambers Regional Spotlight is exclusively for firms with fewer than 50 attorneys and those that do not already have a ranking in the Chambers USA guide.

If you are interested in putting your firm in the Spotlight, or want more information on how we are shining a light on unrecognized talent in the Texas market, please fill in the form or email a member of our Regional Spotlight Research Team below.