In Big Law hiring in Texas, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton added a health care partner in Houston, Morgan Lewis brought on an energy finance partner in Houston, and Baker Botts hired an international arbitration partner in Houston and an energy regulatory partner in Austin.

The lateral partner hiring comes as firms continue in early 2025 to build key practices in Texas.

Health care partner Ashley Wheelock, who came from Troutman Pepper Locke, joined Sheppard Mullin on Monday, the sixth health care lawyer the firm has hired so far this year, and the 15th since January 2024.