Dallas, Texas, February 4, 2026
King & Spalding has made a significant move by bringing aboard nine partners from Winston & Strawn to bolster their litigation team, especially in complex commercial and intellectual property disputes. This expansion is a vital step for the firm under the leadership of trial lawyer Tom Melsheimer, reinforcing the importance of solid legal support for local businesses in an evolving economic landscape. As Dallas continues to thrive, this strategic growth enhances King & Spalding’s presence in the community and positions them for future success.
Dallas, Texas – The legal landscape in Dallas has experienced a significant shift as King & Spalding welcomes nine partners from rival firm Winston & Strawn. This strategic expansion is set to enhance their litigation capabilities in the region, focusing on complex commercial and intellectual property disputes. As the Dallas area continues to foster an environment ripe for business growth, such developments bode well for local entrepreneurs and businesses seeking resilient legal representation.
Under the leadership of acclaimed trial lawyer Tom Melsheimer, who brings a wealth of experience from nearly 100 jury trials, King & Spalding is positioning itself for even greater success. Melsheimer will serve as Global Head of Trial and managing partner of the Dallas office. The addition of his expertise is not only a boost for the firm but for the surrounding business community that thrives on strong legal support in an ever-evolving economic landscape.
This growth is indicative of a broader trend in the legal sector, where firms are increasingly seeking to recruit top-tier talent to enhance their competitive edge. By successfully attracting nine accomplished partners, King & Spalding showcases resilience and innovation—a reflection of the entrepreneurial spirit inherent in Dallas.
Key Details of the Expansion
The newly added partners include Steven Stodghill, Natalie Arbaugh, Rex Mann, Michael Bittner, Ahtoosa Dale, Chad Walker, alongside Danielle Williams in the Charlotte office and Brian Ferguson in Washington, D.C. Together, this seasoned team is poised to address high-stakes cases and offers deep expertise in areas that are crucial for today’s businesses.
Strengthening Litigation Capabilities
King & Spalding’s move to focus on complex commercial and intellectual property litigation highlights a growing need among businesses for specialized legal services. With Dallas emerging as a key player in the economic landscape, having a robust legal team is essential for mitigating risks and navigating intricate disputes. This investment is expected to not only enhance the firm’s trial bench but also solidify its presence as a leader in the legal field.
Impact on Local Businesses
The expansion of King & Spalding is likely to have a positive ripple effect throughout Dallas County. As businesses rely on capable legal representation to protect their interests, this development can help facilitate smoother operations and encourage entrepreneurial efforts. A strengthened legal community supports a favorable environment for innovation and growth, fostering an atmosphere where businesses can thrive.
Dallas Office Growth
With the new partners on board, King & Spalding’s Dallas office now comprises 26 attorneys. This growth not only signals the firm’s commitment to providing exceptional service but also demonstrates confidence in the Dallas market. The firm operates with over 1,300 attorneys across 26 offices globally, which is a testament to its extensive reach and ability to handle complex legal matters effectively.
A Look at the Leadership
Tom Melsheimer’s leadership as Global Head of Trial marks a pivotal moment for the firm’s Dallas operations. His track record of managing high-profile cases, especially those involving substantial financial stakes, positions King & Spalding to successfully tackle the challenges faced by clients in the complex commercial environment.
Conclusion
The expansion of King & Spalding reflects the dynamic nature of the legal community in Dallas, supporting not only the firm’s growth but also the broader economic development within the region. As entrepreneurship flourishes and businesses seek to innovate, the addition of experienced legal professionals affirms the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of new challenges. Local residents and business owners are encouraged to stay engaged with the evolving landscape, supporting initiatives that contribute to Dallas’s vibrant economy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who are the nine partners joining King & Spalding?
The nine partners are Tom Melsheimer, Steven Stodghill, Natalie Arbaugh, Rex Mann, Michael Bittner, Ahtoosa Dale, Chad Walker, Danielle Williams, and Brian Ferguson. Melsheimer will lead the team in Dallas, with Williams in Charlotte and Ferguson in Washington, D.C.
What is the significance of this move for King & Spalding?
This move significantly strengthens King & Spalding’s litigation capabilities, particularly in complex commercial and intellectual property disputes, enhancing its presence in Dallas and other key locations.
What is Tom Melsheimer’s background?
Tom Melsheimer is a nationally recognized trial lawyer with nearly 100 jury trials, including high-profile cases involving over $1 billion at stake. He will serve as Global Head of Trial and managing partner of the Dallas office at King & Spalding.
How does this expansion affect King & Spalding’s Dallas office?
With the addition of these nine partners, King & Spalding’s Dallas office now comprises 26 attorneys, significantly enhancing its litigation capabilities in the region.
What is King & Spalding’s global presence?
King & Spalding operates globally with over 1,300 attorneys across 26 offices, including locations in Dallas, Houston, and Austin in Texas.
Key Features of the Expansion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Partners | Tom Melsheimer, Steven Stodghill, Natalie Arbaugh, Rex Mann, Michael Bittner, Ahtoosa Dale, Chad Walker, Danielle Williams, Brian Ferguson |
| Leadership Roles | Tom Melsheimer as Global Head of Trial and managing partner of Dallas office |
| Practice Areas Enhanced | Complex commercial and intellectual property litigation |
| Dallas Office Size | Now comprises 26 attorneys |
| Global Presence | Over 1,300 attorneys across 26 offices worldwide |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
