Donald Hammett Jr.

Dentons will hold its first-ever gathering of U.S. partners in Dallas this April, which will give Donald Hammett Jr. three months to ease into his new role as managing partner of the north Texas office before he hosts his colleagues from around the country.

Hammett, a public securities and transactional partner, became the new managing partner of the 32-lawyer office on Monday. He succeeds C. Michael Moore, who is leaving the firm. Moore did not immediately respond to a request for comment about his move.

Hammett joined Dentons in 2015 along with two other REIT lawyers who came from Locke Lord.

Hammett said he agreed to manage the office because he sees a “wide-open field of opportunity” for the firm in Dallas. He hopes to add lawyers in several practice areas, including corporate, real estate, intellectual property and litigation. He also intends to bring on additional clients.

Mike McNamara, the U.S. CEO for Dentons, said in a statement that Hammett is not only an exceptional lawyer but also a “dynamic and strong leader who will help guide our strategy in the important Dallas market.”

Hammett said the firm's decision to hold the partners meeting in Dallas demonstrates the firm's commitment to the city. The partners will focus on client service and engagement priorities in the United States and globally. The firm has about 440 partners in the United States.

Dentons, a global firm, also has an office in Houston.