What's Happening?
Anne Johnson, a veteran appellate lawyer, has been appointed as a partner and the US head of appellate at Norton Rose Fulbright's Dallas office. Johnson is recognized for her significant legal achievements, including overturning a $110 million fraud verdict
against BBVA SA. Her move to Norton Rose marks a return to Big Law, following her departure from Haynes Boone in 2022 to join Tillotson Johnson & Patton as a name partner. Johnson is accompanied by a team of appellate lawyers, including senior counsel Kelli Bills and counsel Megan Coker, as well as Stephani Michel, who will join as a senior associate in Houston. This strategic hiring is part of Norton Rose's commitment to expanding its litigation and disputes practice, particularly in the booming Texas appellate system.
Why It's Important?
The appointment of Anne Johnson and her team to Norton Rose Fulbright underscores the firm's strategic focus on strengthening its appellate practice amid growing litigation trends in Texas. The state's appellate system is experiencing increased activity, particularly in cases related to the oil industry and significant 'nuclear verdicts' in personal injury and wrongful death cases. Johnson's expertise in integrating appellate strategy early in litigation processes is expected to enhance Norton Rose's ability to serve clients effectively. This move also reflects the firm's broader expansion efforts, as evidenced by its substantial revenue growth and plans to increase its partner count significantly in 2026.
What's Next?
Norton Rose Fulbright plans to continue expanding its appellate team throughout the year, aiming to add 25 to 30 new partners by the end of 2026. This expansion is part of the firm's strategy to build a comprehensive litigation and disputes practice that can address client needs across various markets. The firm is likely to focus on recruiting top legal talent to bolster its capabilities in handling complex appellate cases, particularly those emerging from Texas's dynamic legal landscape.
Beyond the Headlines
The hiring of Anne Johnson and her team highlights the competitive nature of the legal industry in Texas, where firms are vying to attract top talent to navigate the state's complex appellate system. This development may influence other law firms to enhance their appellate practices to remain competitive. Additionally, the focus on 'nuclear verdicts' suggests a shift in the legal landscape, with potential implications for how personal injury and wrongful death cases are litigated and resolved.
