Winston & Strawn Takes a Unique Approach in Launching Dallas Office

A profile of Winston & Strawn’s Dallas office was featured in the May 2017 edition of D CEO. The article, “Drafting Dallas’ ‘Dream Team,’” explains how Winston made an impact on the North Texas legal market in February 2017 and refers to the expansion as the equivalent of creating an “Olympic ‘Dream Team.’”

Winston’s decision to open a Dallas office was a result not only of client demand, but also because of its natural fit for the firm’s existing practices and structure. It is the unique approach to Winston’s office opening, however, that has garnered much attention. Beginning with 23 lawyers from eight different firms, the growth continues.

Office Managing Partner Bryan Goolsby, who has a national reputation for representing real estate investment trusts (REITs), was “intrigued by Winston & Strawn’s approach—it’s a different way to start an office. The founders of the Winston & Strawn Dallas office came together and made a decision to change the paradigm in the North Texas market.” Bryan further explains that this way generates excitement, which attracts future attorneys.

Tom Melsheimer, a litigator who also serves as managing partner of the Dallas office, agrees with Bryan. He explains that “[t]he notion that we’d be starting a law firm with that sort of pedigree was very reassuring and exciting at the same time.”

Tom explains that a motivating factor for the move to Winston, with a team of attorneys from his former firm, was to be able to better service clients given Winston’s broader platform.

The office also includes a deep bench of transactional lawyers whose practices range from tax and real estate to private equity and M&A.