While many firms large and small have looked skeptically at opening new offices with a small number of lawyers, some even opting for a soft entrance to new markets, Texas firm Langley & Banack is taking a different approach. The midsize firm just opened two offices in the Hill Country staffed by Kerrville native Taylor Williams.

Steven Brook, managing partner of the San Antonio firm for more than two decades, said the firm has successfully opened offices in small towns located near San Antonio by hiring lawyers with local connections, like those Williams has in the Hill Country.

"We've been fortunate to have shareholders who have deep roots in the community. We've been fortunate in Eagle Pass, and Carrizo Springs and Karnes City and New Braunfels, and we've looked for some time at a Fredericksburg office and also separately at a Kerrville office," Brook said.