Technology: Corporate & Commercial: Texas

THE FIRM A series of high-value matters ensures that Andrews Kurth remains at the top of the field. The group operates out of Austin, Dallas and Houston and offers clients a broad spectrum of experience, including corporate governance, private equity deals and venture capital. Recent highlights include handling a raft of IPOs, acquisitions and financing deals for the likes of Rodman & Renshaw and Mavenir Systems.

Sources say: "The team is very high-quality - responsive, thoughtful and thorough."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Carmelo Gordian is described as an "experienced, even-handed and knowledgeable corporate lawyer" who impresses clients with his commercial approach and negotiating abilities. He is well versed in M&A transactions and also enjoys a fine reputation in the venture capital arena.

Matthew Lyons maintains an active practice in corporate securities law, focusing on raising capital, acquisitions and dispositions and federal securities law compliance. A satisfied client comments of him: "He is very astute at deciphering between business and legal issues and keeping the two separate."

Alan Bickerstaff is described by sources as "very knowledgeable, very diligent and a pleasure to work with." A corporate and securities partner, he represents clients across a wide variety of industries and sectors including software, energy and life sciences.

THE FIRM Baker Botts's interdisciplinary technology group combines the experience of IP and corporate lawyers to offer a comprehensive service to clients. The team works with software companies, technology service providers, consumer electrics companies and academic research institutions. Clients range from private emerging growth companies to publicly held global corporations. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Don McDermett draws praise for his practical advice and business-focused approach. He works extensively with GENBAND, recently handling its acquisition of Cedar Point Communications. 

"Excellent lawyer" John Martin chairs the firm's technology department. His extensive experience with complex M&A transactions is reflected by recent work with Perot Systems and Accenture.

Charles Szalkowski represents a range of clients spanning the telecommunications, software, consumer, medical devices and e-commerce industries. He has acted for public and venture-backed companies, their investors and investment banks for over 35 years.

THE FIRM This group is known for its strong international capabilities and undertakes a substantial amount of cross-border work, a recent example of which includes Whale Shark Media's acquisition of RetailMeNot.com, an Australian coupon aggregation and deals website. The firm is also a good choice for technology entrepreneurs and startup companies.

Sources say: "A strong practice all over." "Their commercial awareness is exceptionally good."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Paul Hurdlow enjoys a thriving practice in corporate securities, representing public and private companies, and is described by sources as "very experienced, diligent and reliable." Recent work highlights include representing Morgan Stanley as lead underwriters in the IPO of HomeAway.

The "unflappable" Sam Zabaneh focuses on entrepreneurial and emerging growth companies and is currently representing Newgistics in the filing of a registration statement in anticipation of an IPO. He draws particular praise for his commercial awareness and industrious work ethic.

James Montgomery is managing partner of the Austin office and is noted for his work with high-growth technology companies. He recently represented Spindletop in the setting up of a new $50 million fund focused on early-stage medical technology.

Philip Russell is sought after for his expertise in M&A, SEC compliance, public offerings and venture capital financing. Interviewees praise his thorough approach and remark that he "never misses a detail."

James Vickery runs the firm's IP and technology transactions group in Austin. He concentrates on IP strategic planning, technology licensing and strategic alliances. Examples of recent work include the aforementioned HomeAway IPO.

THE FIRM This established practice is noted for offering technology and growth companies a full service at all stages of their development. It advises entrepreneurs on company formation and investors, while also having the capability to deal with multibillion-dollar global corporations. Clients include Dell, Austin Ventures and HomeAway.

Sources say: "The firm's commitment to client service is exceptional - their responsiveness is unsurpassed."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Paul Tobias founded Wilson Sonsini's Austin office and continues to be a strong presence in the market. He elicits particular praise for his "keen understanding of the client's need" as well as for his "practical and results-oriented advice." A recent highlight includes representing HomeAway in its $216 million IPO.

Sources continue to single out Brian Beard as "a top guy in the market." He centers his corporate and securities practice on emerging growth companies, issuers and underwriters involved in public offerings and M&A transactions. An example of the caliber of his work is his representation of Spiceworks in its $12.4 million Series D round of venture financing.  

Derek Willis is becoming ever more visible in the field, with interviewees praising "his deep understanding of corporate securities issues." He is also sought after for his expertise in M&A and venture capital financing and recently represented Finisar in its $120 million common stock offering.

THE FIRM This practice operates out of Austin, Houston and San Antonio and handles a broad spectrum of matters, dealing with both startup companies and well-established industry leaders. It is particularly sought after for its expertise in the semiconductor arena, advising on joint development agreements, licensing and outsourcing.

Sources say: "They make themselves available 24/7."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  David Peterman heads the Houston corporate practice and a recent highlight has seen him advise Meridian Resources with regard to its acquisition by merger by Alta Mesa Holdings.

Daryl Lansdale leads the San Antonio corporate securities group. He focuses on public and private financings, M&A, corporate governance matters and public company reporting. DFB Pharmaceuticals' $100 million disposition of Coria Laboratories sits alongside many other high-value matters that he has recently handled. 

Houston-based Charles Powell is "rational, decisive and helps clear through the clutter to give good, clear advice." He is renowned for his work with venture capital funds and technology companies.

THE FIRM This Dallas-based group is noted for its expertise across a wide range of areas from telecommunications and software to biotech and pharmaceuticals. It advises on a full spectrum of corporate issues such as M&A, joint ventures, financing and licensing, and advises a diverse client base that includes Attachmate and Sprint Nextel.

Sources say: "One of the big advantages Jones Day offers is that it is very well integrated - we're able to access resources throughout the firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Steve Fluckiger has experience across corporate governance, M&A and restructuring. He also represents institutional investors and issuers, and individual investors in venture-backed, angel and private equity financing. One satisfied client notes that "he certainly has a good appreciation of our business."

THE FIRM Mayer Brown continues to improve its presence in the state and acts for a range of clients, including public and private companies, underwriters and investors. The group is particularly noted for its abilities across private placements, public offerings and M&A transactions and is also known for its expertise on international matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Robert Gray is co-leader of the firm's corporate and securities practice and is noted for his expertise in the telecommunications and internet software arenas. He is also known for his cross-border strengths, as is his colleague, Dallas Parker. Parker focuses on M&A, takeovers, and public and private offerings, and is also regularly called upon to handle matters concerning corporate governance and equity and debt securities.

THE FIRM This practice is sought after for its expertise across capital markets, M&A, and IP and also comes recommended to handle licensing and corporate finance work. The group particularly represents a fine choice for clients in the biotechnology, semiconductor, and telecommunications arenas. In addition, it is noted for its strength with regard to private equity and venture capital matters, acting on behalf of prominent clients such as Austin Ventures and Pharos Capital.

Sources say: "We are continuously impressed with the exemplary work of the firm and its lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  William Volk is regarded as "the dean" by peers and "a consummate gentleman who carries a velvet hammer." Focusing on venture capital, private equity and corporate governance, he maintains a long-standing relationship with Austin Ventures, and recently represented it in its $30 million investment of growth capital in Emerus Hospital.

Kyle Fox's practice centers on helping emerging companies with business management, sales and acquisitions and raising capital, and he is described by clients as "an incredible advocate." A recent work highlight involved acting on behalf of Hyper9 on a venture capital portfolio sale to a publicly listed company.