Seven Texas firms are among the most feared U.S. litigation firms, according to the consensus of 322 in-house lawyers who participated in the BTI Litigation Outlook 2016 survey.

Baker Botts and Vinson & Elkins are among 13 U.S. firms on the “Awesome Opponents” list in the BTI Consulting Group's survey report. Another five Texas firms are on the “honor roll” of most feared litigation firms: Ahmad, Zavitsanos, Anaipakos, Alavi & Mensing; Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld; Bracewell & Giuliani; McKool Smith; and Susman Godfrey.

Michael Rynowecer, president of Wellesley, Massachusetts-based BTI Consulting, said the in-house lawyers were asked this question: “Who would you prefer not to oppose as lead counsel on the other side?”