Bill Boyce, of Alexander Dubose & Jefferson in Houston.

Bill Boyce, who served on the Fourteenth Texas Court of Appeals for 12 years, is taking lessons learned on the bench back into private practice, joining appellate firm Alexander Dubose & Jefferson as a partner in Houston.

Boyce said he's known and respected the lawyers at Alexander Dubose for many years and saw their “excellent work” while on the bench, so he decided the appellate boutique would be the best place for him to grow a practice.

Boyce, a Republican who lost a re-election bid last November and joined the firm Feb. 25, said he talked to a number of firms of various sizes after he left the appeals court Dec. 31, before deciding on Alexander Dubose.

“My focus is going to be on civil appeals and related areas, arguing the jury charge and things like that. Over the longer term I hope to explore opportunities to serve as an arbitrator,” he said. “It's going to be fun to relaunch here.”

Boyce authored more than 600 opinions and said he learned some things while on the bench that will help his private practice.

“I've a deeper understanding of some of the basics. Getting right to the point … don't clog up briefs and oral argument with side issues. I sort of knew that, but now I have a renewed appreciation for that,” Boyce said.

His advice to appeals lawyers during an oral argument? “Answer the question. Just answer the question,” he said.

LaDawn Nandrasy, managing partner of the 16-lawyer firm, said in a press release that Boyce is a great fit with the firm's team.

“Bill's credentials are stellar, and his expertise and knowledge will be a tremendous asset to both our lawyers and clients. He also has an impeccable reputation for professionalism and integrity,” Nandrasy said.

Boyce was one of five judges on the then-all-Republican appeals court in Houston defeated by Democrats in the November election. Prior to his time as a judge, Boyce was at Fulbright & Jaworski, now Norton Rose Fulbright, in Houston for 18 years. He is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Houston Law Center.

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