Ashurst Perkins Coie has opened an office in Houston, Texas, hiring a pair of lawyers from Bracewell for the launch.
The office is the firm's first new location since the merger that created it went live in June and will initially target energy and infrastructure work.
Energy transactions partner Thomas Tomlinson has joined the firm after 27 years at Bracewell, while real estate lawyer Tamara McKinzie has joined as a partner having been senior counsel at her former firm.
Paul Jenkins, Ashurst Perkins Coie's global co-CEO, said the Houston move was a "natural continuation" of the firm's growth strategy.
“Houston is one of the world's most important hubs for energy and infrastructure, and Tom and Tamara are outstanding additions to our firm. As investment continues to accelerate across energy transition, digital infrastructure and emerging technologies, Houston remains a critical market for our clients and our firm.”
Tomlinson advises sponsors, investors, developers and lenders on transactions including conventional and renewable power generation, energy storage, oil and gas, and pipeline projects. He has advised Global Infrastructure Partners on a number of deals, including its $2.7bn acquisition in 2015 of a 50% interest in a joint venture with Hess Corporation that owned Hess’ former midstream crude oil and natural gas infrastructure assets in the Bakken Shale.
Meanwhile, McKinzie brings more than 20 years' experience in the acquisition, development, financing and disposition of real estate assets, as well as land use, zoning, joint venture and complex development matters.
“Tom and Tamara bring exceptional experience across energy, infrastructure and real estate," Ashurst Perkins Coie's global co-CEO, Bill Malley, said. "Houston sits at the intersection of sectors central to our strategy, and their arrival strengthens the distinctive global platform we can offer clients pursuing growth and investment opportunities.”
A spate of large law firms have expanded into Houston in recent years, drawn by booming deals, litigation and regulatory work centred on the energy and infrastructure sector. Just this year, Sullivan & Cromwell, Paul Weiss, Dechert and Buchalter have debuted in the city, while since 2022 firms including O’Melveny & Myers, Steptoe, Nelson Mullins and UK-headquartered Clifford Chance have also set up shop there.
Ashurst Perkins Coie also has Texas offices in Dallas and Austin.
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