Ashurst Perkins Coie Opens Houston Law Office
The law firm expands its Texas presence by launching a new Houston office led by partners Tom Tomlinson and Tamara McKinzie.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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Ashurst Perkins Coie has officially opened a new law office in Houston. The firm hired veteran partners Tom Tomlinson and Tamara McKinzie to spearhead the local practice as it bolsters its regional footprint.
Why it matters
The move is designed to strengthen the firm's standing within the energy and infrastructure sectors. By establishing a presence in Houston, Ashurst Perkins Coie aims to better serve clients in one of the world's most critical industrial hubs.
The firm operates 53 global offices and manages a workforce of 3,500 client-facing practitioners. This new location marks the firm's third office in Texas, joining existing sites in Dallas and Austin.
The players
Tom Tomlinson
He is a veteran attorney with nearly three decades of legal experience who will lead the newly established Houston office.
Tamara McKinzie
She is an experienced lawyer with nearly 20 years in the field who joined the firm as a partner to support the Houston expansion.
Ashurst Perkins Coie
This global law firm maintains 53 offices worldwide and recently completed a $2.8 billion merger to consolidate its market position.
The details
The firm tapped Tom Tomlinson, who brings nearly 30 years of legal experience, to lead the new Houston operations. Tamara McKinzie joins the team with nearly 20 years of experience, both having previously practiced at Bracewell.
Timeline
The Ashurst and Perkins Coie merger was completed in June 2026.
The new Houston office opened in October 2026.
Market Landscape
The firm's expansion follows the industry's ongoing consolidation trend in the global legal services market, mirroring similar moves by large firms seeking scale. This strategy positions the firm to compete more aggressively for high-stakes energy and infrastructure contracts.
For local corporate clients, the office provides expanded access to legal resources in the energy sector. This growth could lead to more competitive service offerings as firms vie for representation in regional infrastructure projects.
The takeaway
The firm is doubling down on its commitment to the Texas market through strategic leadership appointments. This move signals a broader industry effort to align legal expertise with local industrial demands.
Further reading
Learn more about industrial growth in the region by visiting Houston Oil and Gas.
More information
For additional details regarding the firm's capabilities, visit the firm information portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by LawFuel.
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