The Reynolds Frizzell welcomed David Young to their team. Young was a summer associate last year at Reynolds Frizell before joining the frim on a full time basis. During law school, Young was a member of the Texas Law Review and the Human Rights Clinic and served as a teaching and research assistant.

“David is a promising young trial lawyer, and we are thrilled that has chosen to join us full-time,” said Elizabeth Wilkerson, Co-Managing Partner at Reynolds Frizzell. “His friendly, outgoing personality coupled with his research and writing skills are certain to make him successful in his legal career.”

Destination Rome Honoring Longtime Museum Leader Scott Rozzell

Scott Rozzell, who spent 26 years at Baker Botts and ended his tenure there as a Senior Partner, is being honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Lone Star Flight Museum at its annual Jet Setters Ball on Saturday, Nov. 16. Rozzell worked in the legal and energy sectors. He went on to spend the last 13 years of his career at CenterPoint Energy as Executive Vice President of General Counsel & Corporate Secretary before retiring in 2014.

Chamberlain Hrdlicka Adds Five Associates to Houston Office

Chamberlain Hrdlicka has announced the additions of Sita V. “Tori” Harrigill, Lauren L. Hollaway, Minakshi Swaminathan, Kathryn H. Torres and Marisa E. Witter as associates in its Houston offices. This expansion not only accelerates the firm’s growing reputation but also broadens its reach, allowing it to serve more communities and key industries throughout the country.

“We are thrilled to welcome these nine new associates to our firm,” said Larry Campagna, the firm’s managing shareholder. “At Chamberlain Hrdlicka, we are always thinking of ways to evolve, including adding young talent and creating strong foundations for our employees.”

Harrigill will join the Tax Controversy & Litigation practice group. In her role as a summer associate at a New Orleans law firm, she worked with clients on IRS resolution cases and assisted the firm’s accounting and tax services team. A certified public accountant, Harrigill also worked as an audit associate at a Big Four accounting firm, where she audited financial statements and internal controls.

Hollaway will join the Probate & Fiduciary Litigation practice group. She rejoins the firm after working as a legal intern last year, drafting pleadings and research memorandums for legal issues related to probate litigation. Hollaway was a clinic student at a tax dispute resolution clinic, where she assisted clients in their tax disputes with the IRS. She has additional legal internship experience under the Judge Christopher A. dos Santos, where she observed pre-trial criminal hearings and drafted Bond Revocation Orders.

Swaminathan will join the Commercial Litigation practice group. She returns to Chamberlain after her summer associate position in 2023, where she drafted jury charges, briefs, and research memorandums. Swaminathan also worked as a summer associate at an intellectual property boutique firm in 2022, where she drafted motions and wrote demand letters to infringing companies.

Torres will join the Estate & Income Tax Planning & Estate Administration practice group. Prior to joining Chamberlain Hrdlicka, Torres was an associate at an estate planning firm, where she worked in the tax and estate planning practice advising clients on estate and trust administration strategies and implementing complex estate plans for high-net-worth clients. A CPA, Torres previously was a tax associate at a Houston accounting firm, where she prepared federal and state tax returns and drafted research memorandums on tax compliance matters.

Witter will join the Commercial Litigation practice group. Previously she was an attorney at an Am Law 100 firm, where she handled a range of complex commercial litigation disputes. Witter has an extensive background in all phases of litigation, from pre-filing investigations through trial. She is a member of the Houston Bar Association and Association for Corporate Growth Young ACG network, North Texas Chapter.

Locke Lord Elects 2 New Partners in Dallas

Locke Lord has promoted two lawyers representing the Firm in Dallas to Partnership level, effective Jan. 1, 2025.

Nick Graber focuses his practice on all aspects of litigation, from intake to resolution in state and federal courts and alternative dispute resolution forums across the country. His practice includes business torts, contract disputes, False Claims Act actions and related government investigations, including violations of anti-kickback statutes, and general commercial litigation.

Jennifer McCoy focuses her practice on white collar criminal defense and government and internal investigations, as well as labor and employment matters. Her clients include companies, educational institutions and individuals facing various allegations of fraud; antitrust violations; antikickback violations; False Claims Act violations; securities law violations; and misconduct related to employment, regulatory and compliance matters.


Seyfarth launches energy transactions practice in Houston with a three-lawyer team

Seyfarth Shaw LLP has added to its recognized Corporate department with the addition of a three-lawyer team to its Houston office. Partner Chris Cottrell, along with associates Michael Szymanski and Xiaoming Gao, have joined Seyfarth to launch the Energy Transactions practice.

The team is regarded for its experience in the oil and gas industry. The lawyers’ practice centers on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and general corporate and commercial matters, with a focus on serving oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) companies, oilfield technology service companies, mineral and royalty acquisition companies, midstream companies, family offices, and private equity clients.

“Chris brings a unique combination of legal acumen, deep industry knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to client service,” said Steven Meier, chair of Seyfarth’s Corporate department. “His addition marks a significant milestone as our first Corporate partner with a dedicated energy focus, positioning us to expand our department’s capabilities in a key economic sector.”

“This team has a proven track record of handling complex transactions for a diverse range of clients,” said Mark Coffin, managing partner of Seyfarth’s Houston office. “Their passion for the law and dedication to delivering superior client service make them a great fit for us.”

“Launching our new Energy Transactions practice in Houston is executing upon our strategic plan,” added Lorie Almon, Seyfarth’s chair and managing partner. “We are committed to expansion in Texas, both in growing our Houston office, where we have been for 30 years, and in launching our new Dallas office, which is already thriving. We are excited to welcome this talented team to Seyfarth, and to continued market leadership the Lone Star State.”

Cottrell began his career with a leading energy M&A team at two Am Law 50 global law firms and gained industry experience at Hilcorp Energy Company, where he worked closely with Szymanski on several asset teams in various commercial capacities.

“Joining Seyfarth presents a unique and timely opportunity for our team to offer clients a more innovative approach to legal services,” said Cottrell. “Energy clients continue to be focused on efficiency and generating cash flow, and many are frustrated with the traditional big law model. By leveraging SeyfarthLean’s proprietary approach to legal services and technology solutions, we will enhance the quality of our services while reducing costs. No other firm in our market can match Seyfarth’s proven track record of delivering on that promise, and we are eager to introduce this unique value proposition to the energy industry.”