Ashurst Perkins Coie joins Big Law’s Houston rush with office launch

Ashurst Perkins Coie has opened in Houston with the recruitment of two partners, expanding the newly combined firm's presence in Texas as it targets growth in the US energy and infrastructure markets.

Tom Tomlinson joins the firm's projects, energy, environment and resources group, while Tamara McKinzie joins its real estate practice. Both join from Houston firm Bracewell, known for its energy practice and longstanding ties to the oil and gas industry.

The expansion gives Ashurst Perkins Coie a third location in Texas alongside Dallas and Austin, strengthening its presence in one of the most important US markets for energy and infrastructure investment.

Building in Texas

Tomlinson brings more than 30 years of experience advising sponsors, investors, developers and lenders on energy transactions, including conventional and renewable power generation, energy storage, oil and gas, and pipeline projects.

McKinzie has nearly 20 years of experience advising on real estate transactions and development matters across the energy, digital infrastructure, retail and office sectors.

The Houston launch follows the combination of Ashurst and US firm Perkins Coie earlier this year, which created a transatlantic law firm with ambitions to compete across major international markets.

The move comes as international law firms continue to invest in Houston's energy market. A&O Shearman and Clifford Chance have both made a series of senior hires this year, while Paul Weiss launched its own Houston office in February with two energy M&A partners from Kirkland.

What they said

“Expanding into Houston is a natural continuation of our growth strategy,” said global co-CEO Paul Jenkins.

He added that “Houston is one of the world's most important hubs for energy and infrastructure” and called the market “critical” to the firm and its clients.

Fellow global co-CEO Bill Malley described the expansion as a deliberate investment in talent and resources in a market central to the firm's strategy.