Latham & Watkins wades into Texas market with a new launch in Austin

Latham & Watkins wades into Texas market with a new launch in Austin

The Austin office will focus on representing emerging growth companies, clients in the technology and life science industries, and venture capital investors

Latham & Watkins has decided to wade into the lucrative Texas legal market by announcing the launch of its new office in Austin.

Los Angeles-based firm has hired services of a three-partner team from DLA Piper and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati to launch the Austin office -- its second in Texas.

The Austin team comprises partners Samer Zabaneh, Jenifer Smith and Scott Craig. While Zabaneh and Smith have moved over from DLA Piper, Craig has been hired from Wilson Sonsini.

The trio will join the firm's emerging companies practice, with Zabaneh set to take on the role of managing partner for the Austin office.

Latham & Watkins has said that the Austin office will focus on representing emerging growth companies, clients in the technology and life science industries, and venture capital investors in Texas and nationally.

The trio brings along to Latham its rich experience of advising public and private companies as well as sponsors in high-growth industries on a range of M&A, IPOs and other securities offerings, growth equity and debt transactions, and leveraged buyouts.

While Zabaneh was associated with DLF Piper in Austin for nearly two decades, Craig spent almost 15 years at Wilson Sonsini, including four years as a partner.

Latham & Watkins has said that additional firm partners with 'strong ties' to Texas are expected to either permanently relocate to Austin or spend significant time in its Austin office.

"For key growth industries that are driving the global economy, Austin is an increasingly important market and represents a key milestone in the growth of our corporate practice," Rich Trobman, Latham's chair and managing partner, said. He underlined Austin's emerging status as a major hub for startups, corporates, and private equity to open the firm's doors in the city.

Latham was among the first big law firms to enter the lucrative Texas legal market when it opened its Houston office in 2010.

"Austin has grown exponentially in recent years and the opportunity for future growth is immense... It's an exciting time to be in Austin and an exciting time to join Latham, and we look forward to contributing to the firm's continued success in this strategically important market," Zabaneh said.