Law firms have been setting up shop and expanding operations in Texas at a frenzied pace—the result of a strong Texas economy, the lure of the state's high-profile energy sector, and the rainmaking opportunities that exist as the state adds to its long list of corporate headquarters.

It's not a new thing—some out-of-state firms have had offices in Texas for 30 years. But Texas has lately moved high up in the action list of oh-so-many firms in an unprecedented way. Those already established in the state are expanding. Others, including long-established firms such as New York-based White & Case and Shearman & Sterling, have just joined the roster of firms with outposts in the Lone Star State.

“It's been going on for 20 years, but all of a sudden the out-of-state firms have finally recognized the state's incredibly vibrant and growing business opportunities and are trying to position themselves to take advantage of them,” said bankruptcy and restructuring lawyer Joe Wielebinski, who recently moved to Winstead's Dallas office from Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr.