Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld's offices at 2001 K Street, NW, in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Diego M. Radzinschi/ALM)

Two Haynes and Boone corporate practice leaders in Dallas have moved to Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, citing both a broader geographic reach and a deep local presence at their new firm.

Eric Williams, who was head of the M&A practice at Haynes and Boone, joined Akin Gump on Monday, while Ryan Cox, who was a co-head of Haynes and Boone's capital markets and securities practice, made the move on March 5.

Akin Gump Chairwoman Kim Koopersmith said in a press release that building up the firm's corporate practice in Dallas is a strategic priority. "Ryan and Eric's experience and focus perfectly complement our team and align very well with the needs of our clients in Dallas," she said.

Williams said their move makes sense because of the breadth and strength of the corporate practice at Akin Gump, and the firm's desire to expand it in Dallas.

"We both feel it will be beneficial to our clients," Williams said.

He said he and Cox have been on opposite sides of the table from Akin Gump lawyers many times, and they know the caliber of the team. Their move also reunites them with former colleagues. A group of seven corporate lawyers and litigators moved from Haynes and Boone to Akin Gump in Dallas in 2012.

His colleague Cox said Akin Gump is a "force to be reckoned with" in corporate and M&A.

"The large market presence is a factor, depth of talent is great," Cox said. "It's basically almost two times the size of our old firm. With that comes very natural and seamless benefits."

Cox represents issuers and investors in public and private securities offerings, M&A, recapitalizations and restructurings, and he provides corporate advice. Williams advised corporate and private equity buyers in M&A deals, including distressed deals related to bankruptcies.

Both lawyers declined to identify their clients. Williams works in the health care, infrastructure, manufacturing, retail and technology sectors, and Cox represents clients in technology, energy and investment management.

In a written statement, Haynes and Boone managing partner Timothy Powers, said, "We appreciate Eric and Ryan's many years of dedicated service to the firm and our clients and wish them well at their new firm."

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