Fort Worth is a thriving hub for legal professionals, offering diverse opportunities across corporate, government, and private practice sectors. Home to major corporations, law firms, and public institutions, the city boasts a legal market that blends Texas’ rich business heritage with modern innovation. Key industries such as energy, healthcare, and aviation drive the demand for skilled attorneys, while Fort Worth’s dynamic economy supports a wide range of practice areas.
Landing a role with one of the city’s top employers often requires targeted strategies and insights into the market. Legal recruiters can play a pivotal role in helping candidates navigate this competitive environment and connect with top-tier opportunities. Whether you’re looking to advance your career or establish a new foothold, Fort Worth offers abundant pathways to success.
Biggest Law Firms in Fort Worth
- Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP: Founded in 1979 by Dee J. Kelly, Kelly Hart & Hallman has grown into a leading business-to-business law firm with over 140 attorneys across five offices. The firm offers expertise in more than 20 practice areas, including corporate and securities law, litigation, and real estate. Kelly Hart is recognized for its representation of Fortune 500 companies and governmental entities, and in 2024, 104 of its lawyers were named Top Attorneys by 360 West magazine.
- Cantey Hanger LLP: Established in 1882, Cantey Hanger is one of Fort Worth’s oldest law firms, providing comprehensive legal services across various industries. The firm represents a diverse clientele, from startups to large corporations, in areas such as business transactions, litigation, and estate planning. Cantey Hanger is known for its commitment to integrity and transparency, serving generations of Texans with a focus on community involvement.
- Brackett & Ellis, P.C.: Brackett & Ellis, founded in 1978, is a full-service law firm with a strong presence in education law, representing numerous school districts and educational institutions. The firm also specializes in business litigation, employment law, and estate planning. Brackett & Ellis is recognized for its dedication to client service and its role in significant legal matters within the Fort Worth community.
- Decker Jones, P.C.: With roots dating back to 1896, Decker Jones is a full-service law firm offering expertise in construction law, real estate, and business transactions. The firm has played a pivotal role in Fort Worth’s development, representing clients in landmark projects and complex litigation. Decker Jones is known for its deep community ties and commitment to client success.
- Harris, Finley & Bogle, P.C.: Established in 1977, Harris, Finley & Bogle specializes in oil and gas law, providing services in transactions, litigation, and regulatory matters. The firm also handles business law and estate planning, serving a diverse clientele in the energy sector. Their expertise in oil and gas law has made them a trusted advisor in the industry.
- Whitaker Chalk Swindle & Schwartz PLLC: Founded in 1978, Whitaker Chalk offers a broad range of legal services, including intellectual property, business litigation, and corporate law. The firm is noted for its work in patent and trademark law, representing clients in protecting their intellectual assets. Whitaker Chalk’s attorneys are recognized for their innovative legal solutions and client-focused approach.
- Bourland, Wall & Wenzel, P.C.: Since its establishment in 1983, Bourland, Wall & Wenzel has focused on estate planning, nonprofit organizations, and business law. The firm is known for its personalized approach to complex legal issues, assisting clients with wealth preservation and charitable planning. Their attorneys are active in the community, contributing to various philanthropic efforts.
- Barlow Garsek & Simon, LLP: Barlow Garsek & Simon, founded in 1981, provides services in litigation, business law, and entertainment law. The firm has represented clients in high-profile cases and is known for its vigorous advocacy and strategic counsel. Their entertainment law practice has garnered attention for representing notable figures in the industry.
- Varghese Summersett PLLC: Established in 2014, Varghese Summersett is a prominent criminal defense firm handling high-profile cases in state and federal courts. The firm is recognized for its experienced trial attorneys and has been featured in various media outlets for its work in criminal law. Their commitment to client advocacy has earned them a strong reputation in the legal community.
- Anderson & Riddle, LLP: Founded in 1995, Anderson & Riddle specializes in aviation law, insurance defense, and commercial litigation. The firm represents airlines, insurers, and businesses in complex legal matters, including aircraft accidents and regulatory compliance. Their niche expertise in aviation law has made them a go-to firm in this specialized area.
Fort Worth
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
Fort Worth’s thriving economy is supported by an impressive roster of corporations and public institutions that rely on skilled legal professionals. From multinational corporations to influential regional players, these organizations require attorneys to handle everything from regulatory compliance to complex litigation. Securing a role within these competitive companies often demands a strategic approach, and working with a legal recruiter can significantly enhance your chances of placement. Here’s a closer look at some of the largest employers for legal professionals in Fort Worth:
- American Airlines Group: Founded in 1930, American Airlines is one of the world’s largest airlines, with its headquarters in Fort Worth. The company employs legal professionals across various practice areas, including aviation law, employment law, and corporate compliance. With over 100,000 employees globally, its legal department plays a crucial role in navigating industry regulations and managing high-profile litigation.
- BNSF Railway: BNSF Railway, a major freight transportation company, has been a cornerstone of Fort Worth’s economy since its founding in 1995. Employing thousands across the country, its legal team handles environmental compliance, labor relations, and commercial litigation. BNSF is known for its commitment to innovation in rail transport, making it a fascinating place for legal professionals to contribute.
- Lockheed Martin Aeronautics: With a significant presence in Fort Worth, Lockheed Martin’s Aeronautics division employs numerous legal professionals to manage government contracts, intellectual property, and defense compliance. Founded in 1995, Lockheed Martin is a leader in aerospace and defense, offering lawyers opportunities to work on high-stakes, impactful projects.
- Cook Children’s Health Care System: Cook Children’s, founded in 1918, is a non-profit pediatric healthcare organization employing a robust legal team to address healthcare regulations, compliance, and malpractice defense. With over 8,000 employees, it is one of Fort Worth’s most prominent employers and offers rewarding opportunities for attorneys interested in healthcare law.
- XTO Energy (an ExxonMobil subsidiary): Specializing in oil and gas exploration, XTO Energy was founded in 1986 and became a subsidiary of ExxonMobil in 2010. Its nearby Spring, Texas headquarters employs legal professionals focused on energy regulations, land use, and environmental compliance, making it a leading employer in Texas’ energy sector.
- Alcon: Founded in 1945, Alcon is a global leader in eye care products and has a significant legal presence in Fort Worth. Attorneys at Alcon handle intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and mergers and acquisitions, contributing to the company’s innovation-driven mission.
- FirstCash, Inc.: This pawnshop operator and payday lender, headquartered in Fort Worth since its founding in 1988, employs legal professionals in consumer finance law, corporate governance, and compliance. FirstCash operates in multiple countries and is a major player in the financial services industry.
- Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD): As one of the largest employers in Fort Worth, FWISD’s legal department handles education law, labor relations, and administrative law for over 10,000 employees and 84,000 students. Working for FWISD offers unique opportunities to impact local education policies and practices.
- Bell Textron Inc.: Aerospace and defense manufacturer Bell Textron, founded in 1935, is headquartered in Fort Worth. Legal professionals here tackle international trade compliance, government contracting, and product liability. Bell Textron’s innovative projects, including helicopter development, provide attorneys with challenging and rewarding work.
