Austin, Texas, has emerged as a major economic hub, attracting some of the largest employers in the nation across various industries. Known for its vibrant tech scene, the city is home to a mix of Fortune 500 companies, innovative startups, and leading institutions in education, healthcare, and government. Austin’s dynamic business environment is bolstered by its status as a tech mecca, with major players in software, semiconductors, and biotechnology establishing significant operations in the area.
The city’s strong educational and healthcare institutions, along with its growing financial services sector, also contribute to a diverse job market, making Austin a key destination for professionals seeking opportunities with some of the biggest employers in the region.
Biggest Law Firms in Austin
- Vinson & Elkins LLP: Founded in 1917, Vinson & Elkins LLP is one of the oldest and most prestigious law firms in Texas, with over 700 attorneys across 11 offices worldwide. As an AM Law 100 firm, Vinson & Elkins is known for its expertise in energy law, mergers and acquisitions, and complex litigation. The firm’s Austin office plays a critical role in serving clients in the technology, healthcare, and energy sectors, contributing to its reputation as a leader in the legal industry.
- Norton Rose Fulbright: Norton Rose Fulbright is a global law firm with more than 3,700 lawyers and 50 offices worldwide. The firm, which traces its roots back to 1794, has a strong presence in Austin, providing legal services in areas such as intellectual property, healthcare, and regulatory compliance. Known for its international reach and comprehensive legal solutions, Norton Rose Fulbright is a key player in Austin’s legal market, particularly for clients with cross-border needs.
- Baker Botts LLP: Baker Botts LLP, founded in 1840, is a leading international law firm with over 700 attorneys across 14 offices. The firm is well-regarded for its work in energy law, intellectual property, and corporate transactions. In Austin, Baker Botts serves a diverse clientele, including technology startups, energy companies, and public institutions. The firm’s longstanding history and commitment to innovation make it a prominent name in the Austin legal community.
- Bracewell LLP: Founded in 1945, Bracewell LLP is a prominent law firm with over 300 attorneys across 10 offices in the United States, London, and Dubai. The firm is known for its focus on energy, environmental law, and public finance. Bracewell’s Austin office is integral to its operations, particularly in serving clients in the energy sector, including oil and gas companies, utilities, and renewable energy developers. The firm’s expertise in regulatory and legislative matters is highly valued in the Texas capital.
- Jackson Walker LLP: Jackson Walker LLP, founded in 1887, is one of the largest Texas-based law firms, with over 400 attorneys across seven offices. The firm’s Austin office is a key player in the city’s legal landscape, providing services in corporate law, real estate, healthcare, and litigation. Jackson Walker is known for its deep roots in Texas and its commitment to serving local businesses, as well as its expertise in emerging industries like technology and life sciences.
- DLA Piper: DLA Piper is a global law firm with more than 4,000 lawyers across over 40 countries. The firm’s Austin office plays a significant role in its U.S. operations, particularly in the areas of corporate law, technology, and intellectual property. DLA Piper is known for its ability to handle complex, multi-jurisdictional matters, making it a top choice for clients with international legal needs. The firm’s global reach and diverse practice areas make it a leading player in the Austin legal market.
- Greenberg Traurig LLP: Greenberg Traurig LLP is a global law firm with over 2,200 attorneys in 40 offices across the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The firm’s Austin office is known for its work in real estate, government law, and litigation. Greenberg Traurig’s reputation for providing strategic legal solutions to a wide range of clients, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, makes it a key player in the Austin legal community. The firm’s multidisciplinary approach and global resources contribute to its prominence in the market.
- Husch Blackwell LLP: Husch Blackwell LLP, founded in 1916, is a full-service law firm with over 800 attorneys across 20 offices. The firm’s Austin office is a hub for its work in healthcare, energy, and higher education law. Husch Blackwell is known for its industry-focused approach, providing tailored legal solutions that address the specific needs of its clients. The firm’s commitment to client service and its strategic presence in Austin make it a respected name.
- Locke Lord LLP: Locke Lord LLP is a full-service international law firm with more than 600 attorneys across 20 offices, including a significant presence in Austin. The firm, which dates back to 1891, is known for its work in insurance, energy, and intellectual property law. Locke Lord’s Austin office is integral to the firm’s operations in Texas, providing legal services to a wide range of clients, from emerging companies to established corporations. The firm’s deep experience and comprehensive legal services make it an asset in Austin’s legal market.
- Winstead PC: Founded in 1973, Winstead PC is a Texas-based law firm with more than 300 attorneys across seven offices, including a prominent presence in Austin. The firm is known for its expertise in real estate, corporate law, and financial services. Winstead’s Austin office is a leader in serving the city’s booming real estate market, as well as providing legal services to the state’s growing technology and healthcare sectors. The firm’s strong local roots and commitment to client success have earned it a solid reputation in Austin.
Austin
Legal Recruiter Spotlight: Momentum Search Partners
Momentum Search Partners is a Texas legal recruiting and executive search firm specializing in attorney and compliance placements for companies and select law firms.
Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Securing a legal position with one of Austin’s largest companies often requires the expertise of a legal recruiter, given the competitive nature of these roles and the specialized skills needed. Austin’s diverse economy is home to several major corporations that employ a significant number of legal professionals across various industries, from technology to healthcare. Below are some of the most prominent companies in Austin that employ lawyers:
- Dell Technologies: Founded in 1984 by Michael Dell, Dell Technologies is a global leader in computer technology with its headquarters in Round Rock, just outside of Austin. The company employs over 165,000 people worldwide, with a substantial legal team that handles everything from intellectual property to corporate governance and regulatory compliance. Dell’s legal department plays a critical role in managing the company’s vast portfolio of patents and ensuring compliance with international trade laws.
- Whole Foods Market: Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Austin, Whole Foods Market is a leading natural and organic foods retailer. Now a subsidiary of Amazon, Whole Foods employs over 90,000 people across its global operations. The company’s legal team is involved in areas such as corporate governance, real estate law, employment law, and food safety regulations. Given its expansion and integration with Amazon, Whole Foods’ legal professionals are essential in navigating the complexities of corporate mergers and compliance with evolving food industry regulations.
- Apple Inc.: Apple Inc., a global technology giant, is expanding its presence in Austin with a $1 billion campus expected to house 5,000 employees, with room to grow to 15,000. The company’s Austin operations are a significant part of its U.S. workforce, with a strong legal team that focuses on intellectual property, corporate law, and regulatory compliance. Apple’s legal professionals in Austin are integral to managing the company’s extensive patent portfolio and ensuring compliance with both domestic and international laws.
- Samsung Austin Semiconductor: Founded in 1997, Samsung Austin Semiconductor is a key player in the technology and manufacturing sectors. The company employs over 3,000 people in Austin and is part of Samsung’s global semiconductor operations. The legal team at Samsung Austin Semiconductor handles matters related to intellectual property, environmental law, and corporate transactions. The company’s role in producing advanced semiconductors for global markets requires a robust legal department to navigate complex regulatory frameworks and protect its innovations.
- Ascension Seton: Ascension Seton is a leading healthcare provider in Central Texas, part of Ascension Health, one of the largest non-profit health systems in the U.S. With more than 13,000 employees in Austin, Ascension Seton’s legal team focuses on healthcare law, regulatory compliance, and medical malpractice defense. The complexity of healthcare regulations and the need for compliance with both state and federal laws make legal expertise crucial in managing the organization’s operations.
- Facebook (Meta Platforms, Inc.): Meta Platforms, Inc., the parent company of Facebook, has a significant presence in Austin, where it employs thousands of people across various departments, including legal. The legal team at Meta in Austin handles issues related to data privacy, intellectual property, and corporate governance. As a global leader in social media and digital technology, Meta’s legal professionals play a key role in navigating the complex regulatory landscape of privacy laws, content regulation, and international compliance.
- Oracle Corporation: Oracle, a global leader in cloud computing and enterprise software, moved its corporate headquarters to Austin in 2020. The company employs over 135,000 people worldwide, with a growing presence in Austin. Oracle’s legal team in Austin deals with areas such as intellectual property, software licensing, corporate law, and international trade compliance. As Oracle continues to expand its cloud services and enterprise solutions, the legal department is essential in managing contracts, protecting intellectual property, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- 3M: 3M, a multinational conglomerate known for its innovations in healthcare, consumer goods, and industrial products, has a significant presence in Austin. The company’s legal team handles a wide range of issues, including product liability, intellectual property, and environmental law. With its involvement in diverse industries, 3M’s legal professionals are critical in managing compliance with safety regulations and protecting the company’s extensive portfolio of patents and trademarks.
- IBM: IBM has a long-standing presence in Austin, focusing on technology and innovation. The company employs thousands of people in the area, with a strong legal team that handles intellectual property, corporate governance, and compliance with technology regulations. IBM’s Austin operations are key to its research and development efforts, making the legal team essential in protecting innovations and ensuring that the company complies with global tech regulations.
- Tesla, Inc.: Tesla, the electric vehicle and clean energy company, recently established its headquarters in Austin, where it employs thousands of workers at its Gigafactory Texas. Tesla’s legal team is involved in areas such as environmental law, intellectual property, and corporate governance. The rapid expansion of Tesla’s operations in Austin, including the production of electric vehicles and battery technology, requires a strong legal department to manage regulatory compliance and protect the company’s innovative technologies.
