Norton Rose Fulbright attracts renowned appellate team

Anne Johnson joins as US Head of Appellate in Dallas, bringing an elite group to the firm's global litigation and disputes platform

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:18pm

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A minimalist studio still life photograph featuring a stack of legal briefs, a gavel, and a pair of reading glasses, symbolizing the high-level appellate advocacy and legal strategy that the new team at Norton Rose Fulbright will bring to their clients' most consequential legal challenges.The arrival of a renowned appellate team at Norton Rose Fulbright signals the firm's commitment to delivering sophisticated legal counsel at every stage of complex disputes.Dallas Today

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has announced the addition of a significant appellate team, led by partner Anne Johnson as the new US Head of Appellate in the Dallas office. Johnson is joined by senior counsel Kelli Bills, counsel Megan Coker, and senior associate Stephani Michel, all of whom bring extensive appellate experience to the firm's litigation and disputes practice.

Why it matters

The arrival of this elite appellate team reflects Norton Rose Fulbright's commitment to building a premier litigation and disputes practice that can serve clients at every stage of high-stakes legal challenges. With Johnson's reputation as one of the top appellate lawyers in Texas and the team's deep experience in complex appeals, the firm is enhancing its ability to deliver sophisticated appellate counsel and integrate appellate strategy early in the litigation process.

The details

The group joins from boutique litigation firm Tillotson Johnson & Patton, where they were described by Chambers USA as 'a fantastic team.' Together, they bring more than 50 years of combined appellate experience, which they will leverage to shape legal strategy, preserve critical issues, and position cases for success on appeal. Johnson, in particular, is known for her strength in post-trial proceedings and appeals arising from large jury verdicts, as well as her ability to integrate appellate counsel early in high-exposure cases.

  • Anne Johnson and her team joined Norton Rose Fulbright in March 2026.

The players

Anne Johnson

A partner and the new US Head of Appellate in the Dallas office of Norton Rose Fulbright. She is widely recognized as one of the top appellate lawyers in Texas and brings a depth of appellate experience that has earned her a strong reputation among clients facing the most consequential stages of disputes.

Kelli Bills

A senior counsel who joins the Norton Rose Fulbright appellate team. She has experience at every phase of litigation and is particularly adept at handling high-stakes appeals involving business litigation, bankruptcy, arbitration, and securities matters.

Megan Coker

A counsel whose appellate litigation practice focuses on complex constitutional and statutory issues, commercial disputes, municipal and utility litigation, and bet-the-company matters in Texas and federal courts. She is particularly well known for her emergency appellate work.

Stephani Michel

A senior associate who focuses on matters in Texas and federal courts, with experience drafting briefs, presenting oral argument, and guiding clients through the appellate process while working closely with trial teams.

Norton Rose Fulbright

A global law firm that provides a full scope of legal services to the world's preeminent corporations and financial institutions, with more than 3,000 lawyers advising clients across locations in the United States, Europe, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East.

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What they’re saying

“Anne brings a depth of appellate experience that has earned her a strong reputation among clients facing the most consequential stages of disputes.”

— Jeff Cody, Norton Rose Fulbright's Global and US Managing Partner

“Appellate advocacy is a critical component of modern litigation strategy, and Anne is one of the most trusted voices in that space.”

— Steve Jansma, Norton Rose Fulbright's US Head of Litigation and Disputes

“Norton Rose Fulbright is a litigation powerhouse that has made a strong commitment to building an exceptional, robust appellate bench. I have known and worked with the firm's top-notch lawyers for years, and I am excited to call them my partners and colleagues.”

— Anne Johnson

What’s next

The addition of this elite appellate team is expected to further strengthen Norton Rose Fulbright's litigation and disputes practice, allowing the firm to provide sophisticated appellate counsel and integrate appellate strategy early in high-exposure cases.

The takeaway

The arrival of this renowned appellate team at Norton Rose Fulbright underscores the firm's commitment to building a premier litigation and disputes practice that can serve clients at every stage of complex legal challenges. The team's depth of experience and proven track record in high-stakes appeals will enhance the firm's ability to deliver strategic counsel and position cases for success.