As part of a strategy to expand its emerging company practice in Austin and nationally, Am Law 200 firm Michael Best & Friedrich combined with start-up boutique RWR Legal in Austin, adding  three corporate and securities lawyers.

Shari Wynne Ressler, founder of RWR Legal, joined Michael Best as a partner in Austin on Feb. 17, along with her husband, Rick Ressler, who is now managing partner of the eight-lawyer office, and senior counsel Stephen Aguilar.