Houston, known for its vibrant economy and diverse industries, is home to some of the largest employers in the legal sector. The city boasts a robust legal market driven by the presence of major law firms, multinational corporations, and a thriving energy sector. With a dynamic business environment, Houston offers extensive opportunities for legal professionals across various practice areas, including energy law, corporate law, and litigation. This page highlights the biggest employers in Houston’s legal market, showcasing the firms and companies that play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s legal landscape.
Biggest Law Firms in Houston
- Vinson & Elkins LLP: Founded in 1917, Vinson & Elkins LLP is a prestigious international law firm headquartered in Houston. Known for its strong focus on energy, the firm has over 700 lawyers across 13 offices globally. V&E has been involved in high-profile cases, including representing Enron during its collapse. The firm is also recognized for its commitment to diversity, having been a founding sponsor of The University of Texas School of Law’s Pipeline Program.
- Baker Botts LLP: Established in 1840, Baker Botts LLP is one of Houston’s oldest and most prominent law firms. With over 700 lawyers, the firm specializes in energy, technology, and complex litigation. Baker Botts has a significant global presence, with offices in major cities around the world. The firm is an AM Law 100 firm and is known for its work on landmark cases, such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill litigation.
- Norton Rose Fulbright: Norton Rose Fulbright, formed through a merger in 2013, is a global law firm with a strong presence in Houston. The firm has over 3,800 lawyers across 50+ offices worldwide. It excels in corporate, litigation, and regulatory matters, particularly in the energy sector. Norton Rose Fulbright is part of the AM Law 100 and is known for its high-profile work in international arbitration and cross-border transactions.
- Bracewell LLP: Founded in 1945, Bracewell LLP is a leading law firm with a focus on energy, environmental law, and financial services. The firm has over 400 lawyers and is headquartered in Houston, with additional offices in key financial and political centers. Bracewell is recognized for its expertise in energy litigation and regulatory issues, and it frequently represents major energy companies in high-stakes legal matters.
- Andrews Kurth Kenyon LLP: Andrews Kurth Kenyon LLP, founded in 1902, is well-known for its work in energy, corporate, and intellectual property law. The firm has approximately 400 lawyers and maintains a significant presence in Houston. Andrews Kurth Kenyon is notable for its involvement in major mergers and acquisitions, as well as its strong reputation in intellectual property litigation.
- King & Spalding LLP: King & Spalding LLP, established in 1885, is an international law firm with a robust presence in Houston. With over 1,100 lawyers, the firm specializes in corporate, finance, and global disputes. King & Spalding is part of the AM Law 100 and has been involved in significant cases, including representing healthcare and energy companies in complex litigation and regulatory matters.
- Haynes and Boone LLP: Founded in 1970, Haynes and Boone LLP is a prominent law firm with over 600 lawyers. The firm focuses on corporate law, finance, real estate, and technology. Headquartered in Dallas, Haynes and Boone has a substantial office in Houston and is known for its strong practice in mergers and acquisitions, as well as its extensive work with technology startups and venture capital firms.
- Locke Lord LLP: Locke Lord LLP, formed through a merger in 2007, is a full-service law firm with over 700 lawyers. The firm is headquartered in Dallas and has a significant office in Houston. Locke Lord is recognized for its expertise in litigation, regulatory, and transactional law, particularly in the insurance and financial services sectors. The firm is part of the AM Law 100 and is known for its work in complex commercial litigation.
- Kirkland & Ellis LLP: Kirkland & Ellis LLP, founded in 1909, is one of the world’s largest law firms, with over 2,700 lawyers. The firm has a strong presence in Houston and is renowned for its work in corporate, litigation, and intellectual property law. Kirkland & Ellis is an AM Law 100 firm and is frequently involved in high-profile mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, and complex commercial litigation.
- Latham & Watkins LLP: Established in 1934, Latham & Watkins LLP is a global law firm with over 2,600 lawyers. The firm has a significant presence in Houston and specializes in finance, litigation, and regulatory matters. Latham & Watkins is part of the AM Law 100 and is known for its involvement in major energy projects, cross-border transactions, and high-stakes litigation. The firm frequently represents leading companies in complex legal issues.
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Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Houston is home to numerous large corporations that provide extensive opportunities for legal professionals. These companies are significant players in various industries, including energy, healthcare, and technology, and they require robust legal teams to navigate the complex regulatory and business environments.
- ExxonMobil: Founded in 1870, ExxonMobil is one of the world’s largest publicly traded energy providers and chemical manufacturers. With its headquarters in Irving, Texas, and a significant presence in Houston, ExxonMobil employs a large team of lawyers specializing in environmental law, corporate governance, and international trade. The company’s legal department is heavily involved in high-profile litigation and regulatory compliance, reflecting its vast global operations.
- Chevron: Chevron, established in 1879, is another major player in the energy sector. Headquartered in San Ramon, California, with significant operations in Houston, Chevron employs numerous lawyers to manage its extensive oil and gas operations. The legal team at Chevron focuses on issues such as environmental compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and international law, ensuring the company’s adherence to global regulations and facilitating its strategic initiatives.
- ConocoPhillips: ConocoPhillips, founded in 1875 and based in Houston, is a leading independent exploration and production company. The company employs a substantial number of legal professionals who handle matters related to energy law, corporate transactions, and environmental regulations. ConocoPhillips’ legal team plays a crucial role in managing the company’s global assets and ensuring compliance with complex regulatory frameworks.
- Halliburton: Founded in 1919, Halliburton is a leading provider of services to the energy industry, with its headquarters in Houston. The company employs a large legal team that focuses on litigation, intellectual property, and international trade. Halliburton’s lawyers are integral to navigating the legal challenges associated with the company’s diverse operations and technological innovations in the energy sector.
- BP America: BP America, the U.S. subsidiary of British Petroleum, has its American headquarters in Houston. Founded in 1909, BP employs a significant number of legal professionals who handle environmental law, corporate compliance, and risk management. The legal team at BP is critical in addressing the legal implications of the company’s extensive operations and ensuring adherence to stringent environmental standards.
- Phillips 66: Phillips 66, a diversified energy manufacturing and logistics company, was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Houston. The company’s legal department is involved in corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory compliance. Phillips 66’s legal team supports its extensive refining, marketing, and transportation operations across the globe.
- Kinder Morgan: Kinder Morgan, established in 1997 and based in Houston, is one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in North America. The company employs numerous lawyers who focus on regulatory compliance, corporate law, and environmental issues. Kinder Morgan’s legal team is essential in managing the legal aspects of its extensive pipeline and terminal operations.
- Sysco Corporation: Sysco Corporation, founded in 1969 and headquartered in Houston, is a global leader in food distribution. The company employs a sizable legal team that deals with corporate transactions, compliance, and intellectual property. Sysco’s lawyers play a pivotal role in supporting the company’s operations and ensuring legal compliance in its widespread distribution network.
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE): Hewlett Packard Enterprise, a technology company founded in 2015 as a spin-off from HP Inc., has its headquarters in Houston. HPE’s legal department handles a variety of issues, including intellectual property, corporate governance, and data security. The legal team at HPE is crucial in navigating the legal challenges associated with technology and innovation.
- MD Anderson Cancer Center: MD Anderson Cancer Center, part of the University of Texas System, was founded in 1941 and is based in Houston. The institution employs a large legal team specializing in healthcare law, research compliance, and intellectual property. MD Anderson’s lawyers ensure that the center’s operations adhere to legal standards and support its mission of advancing cancer treatment and research.
