Akin Gump is leaving Bat City, I guess it was just too weird for the Biglaw giant.
The firm has confirmed it’ll be leaving Austin at the end of June, while maintaining its other Texas offices in Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth, Longview, and San Antonio. According to an Above the Law tipster, once two of the intellectual property partners in the state’s capital announced they were moving to Vinson & Elkins, the decision was made to vacate the premises.
Akin’s Austin presence has always been small, with only five attorneys stationed there. When reached for comment, a firm spokesperson responded:
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Akin Gump has maintained a small presence in Austin to accommodate two partners in our IP practice who have now announced they are leaving the firm. With their departure there is no longer a need for us to remain in Austin. We will continue to maintain our thriving presence throughout Texas and a top tier firm wide IP practice, which includes more than 50 lawyers across the country. We wish our partners much success in their future endeavors.
In addition to Michael Simons and Fred Williams, the partners who already have their exit strategy worked out, we hope that things work out for the other attorneys and support staff impacted by the office’s closing.
Akin Gump Closing Austin Office [Texas Lawyer]
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