50 Best Law Firms in Texas for Corporate & Business Law

Texas has become a powerhouse for business activity, with companies of all sizes choosing the Lone Star State for its favorable business climate, diverse economy, and strategic location. From Houston’s energy sector to Austin’s tech boom and Dallas’s financial hub, the state’s corporate landscape continues to expand at a remarkable pace. This growth has created increasing demand for sophisticated legal counsel that understands the complexities of modern business operations.

Finding the right law firm in Texas for your corporate and business needs can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re launching a startup, negotiating a multi-million dollar merger, navigating regulatory compliance, or protecting your intellectual property, you need attorneys who combine deep legal expertise with practical business sense. The best law firms in Texas don’t just understand the law—they understand your industry, your challenges, and your goals.

This comprehensive guide examines the 50 best law firms in Texas for corporate and business law, providing insights into their specialties, strengths, and what makes them stand out in a competitive legal market. We’ve analyzed firm capabilities, client reviews, industry recognition, and geographic reach to help you make an informed decision about your legal representation.

Understanding Corporate & Business Law in Texas

Corporate and business law encompasses a broad range of legal services that companies need throughout their lifecycle. In Texas, where business regulations can vary significantly from federal standards and other states, having local expertise matters tremendously.

What Corporate Law Covers

Corporate law deals with the formation, governance, and dissolution of corporations. This includes:

• Entity formation and structuring
• Corporate governance and compliance
• Shareholder agreements and disputes
• Board of directors advisory services
• Corporate restructuring and dissolution

Business Law Essentials

Business law takes a wider lens, covering:

• Contract drafting and negotiation
• Commercial transactions
• Employment law and workforce issues
• Intellectual property protection
• Regulatory compliance
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Securities law

Texas businesses face unique considerations, from the state’s approach to non-compete agreements to specific industry regulations in oil and gas, technology, healthcare, and real estate. The top corporate law firms in Texas have attorneys who stay current with these evolving requirements.

Criteria for Selecting Top Law Firms

Before diving into our list of the best business law firms in Texas, let’s clarify the criteria used for selection:

• Experience and Track Record: We prioritized firms with proven success in handling complex corporate matters, including major transactions, litigation, and regulatory issues.
• Industry Recognition: Rankings from Chambers USA, The Legal 500, Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers provide objective assessments of firm quality and attorney expertise.
• Client Satisfaction: Reviews, testimonials, and repeat business indicate how well firms serve their clients’ needs.
• Geographic Coverage: Whether you need representation in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, or smaller markets throughout Texas.
• Specialized Expertise: Some firms excel in particular industries or practice areas within corporate and business law.
• Resources and Technology: Modern legal practice requires sophisticated tools for document management, research, and client communication.

The 50 Best Law Firms in Texas for Corporate & Business Law

National Firms with Strong Texas Presence

1. Baker Botts LLP

Founded in 1840, Baker Botts stands as one of Texas’s oldest and most prestigious law firms. With major offices in Houston, Dallas, and Austin, the firm has deep roots in Texas business.

Strengths:

• Energy and infrastructure transactions
• Complex commercial litigation
• Technology and intellectual property
• Mergers and acquisitions

Baker Botts represents Fortune 500 companies, major energy corporations, and emerging technology firms. Their corporate practice consistently ranks among the best nationally.

2. Vinson & Elkins LLP

Another Texas legal giant, Vinson & Elkins has built a global reputation while maintaining strong Texas connections. The Houston law firm handles some of the largest and most complex corporate transactions.

Notable Practice Areas:

• Energy transactions and finance
• Private equity
• Capital markets
• Corporate governance

3. Kirkland & Ellis LLP

With substantial presence in Houston and Dallas, Kirkland & Ellis brings top-tier corporate law expertise to Texas clients.

Key Services:

• Private equity transactions
• Restructuring and bankruptcy
• Complex litigation
• Tax planning and strategy

4. Latham & Watkins LLP

The firm’s Austin and Houston offices serve technology companies, private equity funds, and established corporations with sophisticated legal needs.

5. Norton Rose Fulbright

This international firm has deep Texas roots through its legacy firms. Their Houston office remains one of the largest legal practices in the state.

Areas of Excellence:

• Energy regulatory matters
• Cross-border transactions
• Financial services
• Infrastructure projects

Premier Texas-Based Firms

6. Bracewell LLP

Headquartered in Houston, Bracewell has become synonymous with Texas business law excellence, particularly in the energy sector.

Practice Highlights:

• Energy litigation and transactions
• Government relations and regulatory
• White collar defense
• Environmental law

7. Winstead PC

With offices across Texas, Winstead provides comprehensive corporate and business law services with a distinctly Texas perspective.

Core Competencies:

• Real estate transactions
• Healthcare law
• Banking and finance
• Corporate transactions

8. Thompson & Knight LLP

This Dallas-based firm has served Texas businesses for over 130 years, combining deep local knowledge with national reach.

9. Locke Lord LLP

Locke Lord’s Texas offices in Dallas, Houston, and Austin offer full-service corporate capabilities.

Featured Services:

• Securities and capital markets
• Private equity and venture capital
• Intellectual property and technology
• Insurance and reinsurance

10. Haynes and Boone LLP

A Texas powerhouse with over 600 attorneys, Haynes and Boone ranks among the largest law firms in Texas.

Distinguished Practice Areas:

• Private equity transactions
• Technology and fintech
• Energy and natural resources
• Banking and finance

Strong Regional Firms

11. Jackson Walker LLP

With 11 offices across Texas, Jackson Walker provides truly statewide coverage for business law matters.

Service Areas:

• Corporate transactions
• Commercial litigation
• Labor and employment
• Real estate

12. Greenberg Traurig LLP

The firm’s Texas offices in Houston, Dallas, and Austin deliver sophisticated corporate counsel.

13. Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Following the merger of Hunton & Williams and Andrews Kurth, this firm offers enhanced capabilities across Texas.

Specializations:

• Energy and infrastructure
• Capital markets and M&A
• Privacy and cybersecurity
• Real estate finance

14. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

The firm’s Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio offices serve clients across industries with complex legal needs.

15. Sidley Austin LLP

Sidley’s Houston and Dallas offices bring global firm resources to Texas businesses.

Key Practices:

• Corporate reorganization
• Private equity
• Banking and financial services
• Securities litigation

Mid-Size Excellence

16. Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP (now part of Foley & Lardner)

This legacy Texas firm merged with Foley & Lardner but maintains its strong Texas identity.

17. Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

The firm’s Dallas office provides West Coast sophistication with Texas sensibility.

18. Andrews Myers PC

Based in Houston, Andrews Myers focuses on business transactions, tax, and estate planning.

Notable Services:

• Business formation and governance
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Tax planning
• Estate and succession planning

19. Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr PC

This Dallas firm has built a reputation for responsive, practical corporate law advice.

20. Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann LLP

Specializing in complex commercial litigation and corporate advisory work.

Industry-Focused Firms

21. Porter Hedges LLP

Houston-based Porter Hedges excels in energy, healthcare, and corporate transactions.

Focus Areas:

• Energy transactions
• Healthcare regulatory
• Commercial litigation
• Corporate governance

22. Chamberlain Hrdlicka White Williams & Aughtry

Strong tax, corporate, and litigation practices serve clients across Texas.

23. Norton Rose Fulbright (Texas offices)

Already mentioned but worth highlighting their industry-specific groups serving energy, infrastructure, and financial services.

24. Thompson Coe Cousins & Irons LLP

Dallas-based firm known for insurance defense, employment law, and business litigation.

25. Strasburger & Price LLP

Multi-office Texas firm with emphasis on banking, corporate, and real estate work.

Boutique and Specialized Firms

26. Meadows, Collier, Reed, Cousins, Crouch & Ungerman LLP

Dallas boutique firm focusing on complex commercial litigation and corporate matters.

27. Zelle LLP

The firm’s Dallas office provides sophisticated business litigation and advisory services.

28. Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis LLP

The Austin and Dallas offices serve clients in healthcare, corporate, and finance matters.

29. Ahmad, Zavitsanos, Anaipakos, Alavi & Mensing PC (AZA)

Houston litigation boutique that handles high-stakes commercial disputes.

Practice Strengths:

• Complex commercial litigation
• Intellectual property disputes
• Oil and gas litigation
• Professional liability defense

30. Yetter Coleman LLP

Premier Houston litigation boutique with strong commercial trial practice.

Growing Firms with Texas Expansion

31. K&L Gates LLP

Offices in Dallas, Austin, and Houston provide access to global resources.

32. DLA Piper LLP

The firm’s Texas offices in Dallas, Austin, and Houston offer international reach.

Service Areas:

• Technology transactions
• Corporate finance
• Employment law
• Intellectual property

33. Reed Smith LLP

Houston and Austin offices focus on energy, life sciences, and corporate work.

34. Foley & Lardner LLP

Following the Gardere merger, expanded Texas presence in Dallas, Houston, and Austin.

35. Alston & Bird LLP

Dallas office serves clients in corporate, tax, and litigation matters.

Strong Regional Presence

36. Fulbright & Jaworski LLP (now Norton Rose Fulbright)

Legacy firm that shaped Texas corporate law practice for decades.

37. Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Austin and Houston offices serve technology and energy clients.

38. Cozen O’Connor

Dallas office focuses on commercial litigation, labor and employment, and corporate work.

39. Dykema Gossett PLLC

Texas offices provide business transactions, litigation, and regulatory counsel.

40. Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP

Fort Worth-based firm serving North Texas businesses for over 100 years.

Core Services:

• Corporate and securities
• Banking and finance
• Real estate
• Tax and estate planning

Additional Notable Firms

41. Brown McCarroll LLP

Multiple Texas offices offering corporate, tax, and litigation services.

42. Godwin Bowman PC

Dallas firm focusing on complex business litigation and transactions.

43. Bourland, Wall & Wenzel PC

Fort Worth firm with strong corporate and real estate practices.

44. Pulman, Cappuccio & Pullen LLP

San Antonio firm providing business law, employment, and litigation services.

45. Orgain Bell & Tucker LLP

Beaumont-based firm serving Southeast Texas businesses.

Practice Areas:

• Corporate transactions
• Banking law
• Commercial litigation
• Estate planning

46. Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated

San Antonio firm with corporate, real estate, and litigation strengths.

47. Graves Dougherty Hearon & Moody PC

Austin firm known for appellate work, business litigation, and corporate advisory.

48. Hirsch & Westheimer PC

Houston firm focusing on business law, employment, and commercial litigation.

49. Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd & Hullett PC

Dallas firm serving middle-market companies with corporate and litigation needs.

50. England & Albright LLP

Houston firm specializing in healthcare law, business transactions, and litigation.

Geographic Considerations for Choosing a Law Firm

Houston Corporate Law Firms

Houston, as Texas’s largest city and a global energy capital, hosts numerous top law firms specializing in corporate work. The city’s legal market excels in:

• Energy transactions and finance
• International business matters
• Maritime and offshore legal issues
• Healthcare and life sciences

Major firms like Baker Botts, Vinson & Elkins, and Bracewell call Houston home, bringing deep industry expertise to corporate clients.

Dallas Business Law Expertise

Dallas serves as the state’s financial and commercial hub, creating demand for sophisticated business law services:

• Private equity and venture capital
• Banking and financial services
• Commercial real estate transactions
• Technology and telecommunications

The Dallas legal market features both homegrown firms like Thompson & Knight and offices of major national practices.

Austin’s Tech-Focused Legal Market

Austin’s explosive growth as a technology center has transformed its legal landscape. Law firms in Austin increasingly focus on:

• Technology transactions and licensing
• Venture capital and startup formation
• Intellectual property protection
• Privacy and data security

Firms in Austin serve everyone from early-stage startups to established tech giants.

San Antonio and Regional Markets

San Antonio and smaller Texas markets offer quality corporate and business law services, often with more personalized attention and competitive rates. Regional firms understand local business conditions and maintain strong relationships with courts and regulators.

Specialized Practice Areas Within Corporate Law

Mergers and Acquisitions

M&A transactions require sophisticated legal counsel to navigate due diligence, negotiation, regulatory approval, and post-closing integration. The best law firms in Texas for M&A work have completed billions in transaction value.

Key considerations include:

• Deal structure and tax implications
• Regulatory and antitrust issues
• Financing arrangements
• Employee and benefit matters
• Intellectual property transfers

Securities and Capital Markets

Whether you’re taking a company public, conducting a private placement, or maintaining compliance with securities regulations, specialized expertise matters tremendously.

Securities law services include:

• Initial public offerings (IPOs)
• Private equity and venture capital financing
• SEC reporting and compliance
• Proxy contests and shareholder activism
• Blue sky law compliance

Corporate Governance

Strong governance protects companies and their stakeholders. Corporate law firms advise on:

• Board composition and responsibilities
• Executive compensation
• Shareholder rights and relations
• Conflicts of interest
• Corporate policies and procedures

Contract Law and Commercial Transactions

Nearly every business interaction involves contracts. Skilled business law attorneys draft, review, and negotiate:

• Supply and distribution agreements
• Joint venture arrangements
• Licensing and technology agreements
• Service contracts
• Purchase and sale agreements

According to The American Bar Association, well-drafted contracts prevent costly disputes and litigation while protecting business interests.

Intellectual Property for Businesses

In today’s knowledge economy, intellectual property often represents a company’s most valuable assets. IP-focused law firms provide:

• Patent prosecution and portfolio management
• Trademark registration and enforcement
• Copyright protection
• Trade secret counseling
• Licensing and technology transfer
• IP litigation

Employment and Labor Law

Employment issues affect every business. Corporate attorneys work alongside employment specialists on:

• Employment agreements and non-competes
• Wage and hour compliance
• Workplace policies and handbooks
• Employee benefits and ERISA matters
• Discrimination and harassment prevention
• Workforce reductions and restructuring

Industry-Specific Legal Expertise

Energy and Natural Resources

Texas remains the heart of America’s energy industry, and energy law firms understand sector-specific challenges:

• Upstream exploration and production agreements
• Midstream pipeline and infrastructure
• Downstream refining and petrochemicals
• Renewable energy development
• Regulatory compliance and permitting

Technology and Startups

The Texas tech boom has created demand for attorneys who understand startup challenges:

• Entity formation and founder agreements
• Seed and venture capital financing
• Stock option plans and employee equity
• Software licensing and SaaS agreements
• Privacy compliance and data protection

Healthcare and Life Sciences

Healthcare law combines corporate expertise with regulatory knowledge:

• Hospital and physician practice transactions
• Healthcare real estate
• HIPAA and privacy compliance
• Fraud and abuse prevention
• Medical device and pharmaceutical matters

Real Estate and Construction

Texas’s booming population drives constant development, creating opportunities and legal needs:

• Acquisition and development
• Financing and securitization
• Leasing and property management
• Construction contracts and disputes
• Zoning and land use

Financial Services and Banking

From community banks to major financial institutions, banking law firms provide:

• Regulatory compliance and examination defense
• Commercial lending documentation
• Fintech and payment systems
• Bank M&A and capital raising
• Consumer protection compliance

Cost Considerations and Fee Structures

Understanding legal fees helps you budget appropriately and evaluate firm proposals.

Hourly Billing

Most corporate law firms bill by the hour, with rates varying based on:

• Attorney experience and seniority
• Geographic location
• Practice area specialization
• Firm size and prestige

Partner hourly rates at major Texas firms typically range from $400 to $1,000+, while associates bill $200 to $500 per hour.

Alternative Fee Arrangements

Many firms now offer alternatives to hourly billing:

• Flat fees for routine matters like entity formation or contract review
• Contingency fees for certain types of litigation
• Retainer arrangements for ongoing general counsel services
• Blended rates for matters involving multiple attorneys
• Success fees or bonuses tied to transaction completion

Value vs. Cost

The cheapest option rarely provides the best value. Consider:

• Quality and experience of attorneys assigned
• Firm resources and support staff
• Technology and efficiency
• Reputation and credibility with counterparties
• Risk mitigation and problem prevention

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Corporate Law Firm

About Experience and Expertise

• How many attorneys practice in your corporate and business law group?
• What experience do you have in my industry?
• Can you provide references from similar clients?
• Who would be the lead partner on my matters?
• What associates or junior attorneys would assist?

About Communication and Service

• What’s your typical response time for client inquiries?
• How do you keep clients informed about matter progress?
• Do you provide regular budget updates?
• What technology platforms do you use for collaboration?
• How accessible are senior attorneys?

About Costs and Billing

• What are your billing rates for different attorney levels?
• Do you offer alternative fee arrangements?
• How detailed are your invoices?
• What expenses should I expect beyond attorney fees?
• Can you provide a budget estimate for my anticipated needs?

About Results and Approach

• What’s your success rate in matters like mine?
• How do you approach negotiation and deal-making?
• What’s your philosophy on litigation vs. settlement?
• How do you balance legal advice with business considerations?
• Can you share examples of creative solutions you’ve developed?

The Role of Technology in Modern Corporate Law

Today’s best business law firms in Texas leverage technology to deliver more efficient, cost-effective services.

Document Automation and Management

Modern document management systems enable:

• Template libraries for common agreements
• Automated document assembly
• Version control and collaboration
• Secure client portals for document exchange

Legal Research and Analytics

Advanced research tools provide:

• Comprehensive case law and statute research
• Predictive analytics for litigation outcomes
• Contract analysis and comparison
• Regulatory compliance monitoring

Virtual Deal Rooms and Collaboration

Cloud-based platforms facilitate:

• Due diligence document review
• Secure file sharing with multiple parties
• Real-time collaboration across locations
• Audit trails and activity tracking

Artificial Intelligence Applications

AI increasingly supports:

• Contract review and analysis
• Legal research and memo drafting
• Due diligence automation
• Litigation document review

Trends Shaping Texas Corporate Law

Remote Work and Virtual Practice

The pandemic accelerated adoption of remote work technology. Many law firms in Texas now offer flexible arrangements, enabling them to serve clients anywhere in the state or beyond.

Increased Focus on Diversity

Clients increasingly demand diverse legal teams. Progressive firms actively recruit and promote attorneys from underrepresented backgrounds.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)

Companies face growing pressure to address ESG concerns. Corporate lawyers now advise on:

• Sustainability reporting and disclosure
• Social responsibility initiatives
• Board diversity and governance reforms
• Climate risk assessment

Cybersecurity and Data Privacy

Data breaches and privacy regulations create ongoing compliance challenges. Businesses need attorneys who understand:

• CCPA, GDPR, and other privacy laws
• Incident response and notification
• Vendor management and third-party risk
• Insurance coverage issues

Cross-Border Transactions

Texas’s position as a gateway to Latin America creates demand for attorneys experienced in international business:

• Cross-border M&A
• Foreign investment structures
• International trade compliance
• Multi-jurisdictional regulatory matters

How to Maximize Value from Your Corporate Law Firm

Build Strong Relationships

The best law firms in Texas become trusted advisors when you:

• Communicate openly about business goals and challenges
• Involve attorneys early in strategic planning
• Provide complete, accurate information
• Respond promptly to attorney requests
• Maintain regular contact beyond crisis situations

Use Appropriate Resources

Not every task requires a senior partner’s attention:

• Reserve partner time for complex strategy and high-stakes matters
• Allow associates and paralegals to handle routine work
• Consider offshore document review for large-scale projects
• Use self-service resources when appropriate

Provide Clear Instructions and Expectations

Help your attorneys serve you better by:

• Defining the scope of each engagement clearly
• Establishing budget parameters upfront
• Communicating priorities and deadlines
• Specifying decision-making authority
• Identifying key stakeholders

Monitor Billing and Value

Stay engaged with your legal spending:

• Review invoices carefully and promptly
• Question charges that seem excessive or unclear
• Discuss budget concerns before they become serious
• Request alternative fee proposals for appropriate matters
• Track which attorneys provide the best value

Building an In-House Legal Department vs. Outside Counsel

As companies grow, they face decisions about legal resource allocation.

When to Hire In-House Counsel

Consider bringing legal expertise in-house when you:

• Need legal advice on routine, recurring matters
• Require someone who deeply understands your business
• Face ongoing regulatory or compliance responsibilities
• Want a business partner who thinks strategically
• Can justify the cost of full-time legal staff

When Outside Counsel Makes Sense

Continue relying on outside law firms for:

• Specialized expertise you need occasionally
• Major transactions and litigation
• Conflicts of interest with existing relationships
• Matters requiring extensive resources
• Objective, independent perspectives

The Optimal Combination

Many successful businesses maintain lean in-house teams supported by relationships with top corporate law firms in Texas. In-house counsel handles routine matters and coordinates outside resources, while specialized firms tackle complex projects.

Corporate Law Resources and Professional Organizations

State Bar of Texas

The State Bar of Texas provides resources including:

• Attorney directories and credential verification
• Continuing legal education programs
• Ethics opinions and guidance
• Referral services

Corporate Counsel Sections

Many bar associations maintain corporate law sections offering networking, education, and advocacy.

Industry Associations

Trade groups in your industry often provide legal updates and resources relevant to your business.

Conclusion

Choosing among the 50 best law firms in Texas for corporate and business law requires careful consideration of your specific needs, budget, and long-term goals. Whether you’re a startup founder seeking formation advice, a mid-sized company navigating growth challenges, or an established enterprise managing complex transactions, Texas offers exceptional legal talent across every practice area and industry sector. The state’s top business law firms combine sophisticated expertise with practical business judgment, helping clients achieve their objectives while managing legal risk. By understanding the landscape of Texas corporate law firms, asking the right questions, and building strong attorney-client relationships, you position your business for sustained success in one of America’s most dynamic and opportunity-rich markets.