Latham & Watkins Expands to Dallas with Kirkland Partner

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Latham & Watkins, one of the world's largest law firms, is planning to open a new office in Dallas, Texas. The firm has hired Taj J. Clayton, a litigation partner from Kirkland & Ellis, to lead the new Dallas location. This will mark Latham's third office in the state of Texas, following openings in Houston in 2010 and Austin in 2021.

Why it matters

The move to Dallas reflects the growing importance of the Texas market, particularly for tech, healthcare, and litigation work. Major law firms have been racing to establish a presence in the state to capitalize on the booming business opportunities. Latham's expansion demonstrates its strategy to strengthen its foothold in key regional markets across the United States.

The details

Latham & Watkins, the world's second-largest law firm by revenue, has hired Taj J. Clayton from Kirkland & Ellis to lead the new Dallas office. The office will be Latham's third location in Texas, following the firm's openings in Houston in 2010 and Austin in 2021. The decision to expand to Dallas is driven by the city's growing importance as a hub for tech, healthcare, and litigation work, which has attracted numerous major law firms to the region in recent years.

• Latham & Watkins opened its Houston office in 2010.
• Latham & Watkins opened its Austin office in 2021.
• Latham & Watkins plans to open its new Dallas office in 2026.

What’s next

Latham & Watkins plans to officially announce the opening of its new Dallas office in the coming months.