Firms flocking to Austin had a big impact on the Texas legal market in 2021, along with widespread lateral hiring, and the market-shocking merger between Texas’ Thompson & Knight and Florida firm Holland & Knight.

That activity occurred despite the continuing business disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic as firms figured out how and when to welcome lawyers and clients back to their offices. But as the economy recovered, demand in many practices boomed throughout the year, including all aspects of the bedrock Texas energy practice.