Dallas, Texas, is a major hub for various industries, making it an attractive city for legal professionals. The city’s robust economy is supported by key sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, and energy. These industries provide numerous opportunities for legal careers, often requiring extensive legal support for issues ranging from corporate governance and intellectual property to regulatory compliance and litigation.
The diverse business landscape in Dallas ensures a steady demand for legal expertise, making it a prime location for lawyers seeking career growth and stability. Working with a legal recruiter can significantly enhance your chances of securing a position with one of the city’s top employers.
Biggest Law Firms in Dallas
- Haynes and Boone, LLP: Founded in 1970, Haynes and Boone, LLP is a prominent law firm headquartered in Dallas with over 600 attorneys in 18 offices worldwide. Known for its expertise in corporate law, intellectual property, and real estate, Haynes and Boone is an AM Law 100 firm. Notable work includes representing clients in high-profile mergers and acquisitions, and complex intellectual property litigation. The firm is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP: Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, founded in 1945, is a leading global law firm with more than 900 attorneys across 20 offices. Based in Dallas, Akin Gump is an AM Law 50 firm renowned for its strengths in litigation, public law, and corporate transactions. The firm has handled notable cases such as representing creditors in major bankruptcy proceedings and providing counsel in significant regulatory matters. Akin Gump is also known for its pro bono work and commitment to social justice.
- Vinson & Elkins LLP: Founded in 1917, Vinson & Elkins LLP is a prestigious international law firm with its roots in Texas. The firm employs over 700 lawyers across 12 offices globally. Vinson & Elkins is recognized for its expertise in energy law, litigation, and mergers and acquisitions. Notable work includes advising on large-scale energy projects and handling complex commercial disputes. The firm is an AM Law 100 firm and is highly regarded for its client service and legal innovation.
- Baker Botts L.L.P.: Baker Botts L.L.P., established in 1840, is one of the oldest law firms in the United States, with a significant presence in Dallas. The firm has over 700 attorneys across 14 offices worldwide. Known for its strengths in energy law, intellectual property, and litigation, Baker Botts is an AM Law 100 firm. Notable cases include representing major energy companies in high-stakes litigation and advising on significant intellectual property matters. The firm is celebrated for its rich history and legal excellence.
- Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP: Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP, a global law firm, has a strong presence in Dallas. With over 3,700 lawyers in more than 50 offices worldwide, the firm offers a full range of legal services, including corporate law, litigation, and intellectual property. Notable work includes advising on international regulatory compliance and representing clients in major commercial disputes. The firm is part of the Norton Rose Fulbright global network and is known for its comprehensive legal expertise and client-focused approach.
- Jackson Walker LLP: Jackson Walker LLP, founded in 1887, is a major Texas law firm with over 400 attorneys in seven offices, including a significant presence in Dallas. The firm excels in corporate law, real estate, and litigation. Notable work includes handling large real estate transactions and representing clients in complex commercial litigation. Jackson Walker is known for its deep Texas roots and strong commitment to community service and legal innovation.
- Jones Day: Jones Day, an international law firm founded in 1893, has a prominent office in Dallas. The firm employs over 2,500 lawyers across 42 offices worldwide. Jones Day is renowned for its work in litigation, corporate law, and mergers and acquisitions. Notable cases include representing major corporations in high-stakes litigation and advising on significant global mergers. The firm is an AM Law 100 firm and is respected for its global reach and legal expertise.
- Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP: Founded in 1931, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is a leading international law firm with a significant office in Dallas. The firm has over 1,100 attorneys across 16 offices worldwide. Weil is known for its expertise in bankruptcy, litigation, and corporate law. Notable work includes representing creditors in major bankruptcy proceedings and advising on complex corporate restructurings. The firm is an AM Law 100 firm and is highly regarded for its strategic legal solutions and client service.
- Sidley Austin LLP: Sidley Austin LLP, founded in 1866, is a global law firm with a strong presence in Dallas. The firm employs over 2,000 lawyers across 20 offices worldwide. Sidley Austin is recognized for its strengths in litigation, regulatory law, and corporate transactions. Notable cases include advising on high-profile regulatory compliance matters and representing clients in complex commercial disputes. The firm is an AM Law 100 firm and is known for its legal acumen and client-centric approach.
- Locke Lord LLP: Locke Lord LLP, established in 1891, is a full-service international law firm with a significant office in Dallas. The firm has over 600 attorneys in 20 offices worldwide. Locke Lord is known for its expertise in insurance law, real estate, and corporate law. Notable work includes representing insurance companies in regulatory matters and advising on significant real estate transactions. The firm is celebrated for its client service and commitment to providing innovative legal solutions.
Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Securing a position with one of the largest companies in Dallas often requires navigating a competitive job market, and working with a legal recruiter can significantly enhance your chances. Below are some of the biggest employers of lawyers in Dallas, highlighting their history, organization size, and notable work.
- AT&T Inc.: Founded in 1983, AT&T Inc. is a global telecommunications giant headquartered in Dallas, employing approximately 230,000 people worldwide. The company’s extensive legal team handles regulatory compliance, intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, and litigation. Notable work includes the acquisition of Time Warner and various regulatory challenges at both state and federal levels.
- ExxonMobil: Formed in 1999 through the merger of Exxon and Mobil, ExxonMobil is one of the largest publicly traded oil and gas companies, employing about 72,000 people globally. The legal team at ExxonMobil deals with environmental law, corporate governance, international trade, and complex litigation. They have been involved in high-profile environmental cases and international disputes, showcasing the critical role of their legal department.
- Southwest Airlines: Founded in 1967, Southwest has over 60,000 employees and requires substantial legal support in aviation law, labor and employment, regulatory compliance, and commercial litigation. The legal team navigates federal aviation regulations and handles labor relations with one of the largest unionized workforces in the airline industry.
- Texas Instruments: Established in 1930, Texas Instruments is a leader in semiconductor manufacturing with approximately 30,000 employees. Their legal professionals specialize in intellectual property, international trade, corporate governance, and compliance. The legal team plays a vital role in managing their extensive patent portfolio and handling global trade compliance.
- JCPenney: JCPenney a historic retail chain founded in 1902, employing over 95,000 people. The company’s legal team focuses on corporate law, real estate, intellectual property, and employment law. They have been instrumental in navigating the company’s financial restructuring and addressing various commercial litigation issues.
- American Airlines: One of the world’s largest airlines, American Airlines was founded in 1930 and employs over 130,000 people. Their legal team handles aviation law, regulatory compliance, labor relations, and international trade. They frequently deal with complex regulatory environments and large-scale commercial disputes.
- Tenet Healthcare: Founded in 1967, Tenet Healthcare is a major healthcare services company with approximately 110,000 employees. The legal department is crucial in managing healthcare law, regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and medical malpractice defense, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and handling litigation related to patient care.
- Fluor Corporation: Fluor Corporation, a global engineering and construction firm established in 1912, employs around 45,000 people. Their legal team specializes in construction law, international trade, compliance, and litigation, supporting large-scale infrastructure projects worldwide by ensuring regulatory adherence and managing complex contractual disputes.
- CBRE Group: As a leading global real estate services firm founded in 1906, CBRE Group employs over 100,000 people. The legal team handles real estate law, corporate governance, compliance, and commercial litigation, managing significant commercial real estate transactions and advising on global property portfolios.
- Jacobs Engineering Group: Jacobs Engineering Group, founded in 1947, provides technical, professional, and construction services globally, employing approximately 55,000 people. Their legal professionals specialize in construction law, environmental law, regulatory compliance, and international trade, supporting various large-scale engineering projects by ensuring legal compliance and managing disputes.
