The newly merged Ashurst Perkins Coie has made its first significant geographical expansion, opening in Houston with two senior hires from energy-focused US firm Bracewell, as the global legal giant moves to strengthen its position in America’s lucrative energy and infrastructure market.
The arrival of energy transactions partner Tom Tomlinson and real estate specialist Tamara McKinzie gives the firm its third Texas location, alongside Dallas and Austin, just four months after the $2.8 billion combination of Ashurst and Perkins Coie was completed.
According to Bloomberg Law, Tomlinson will lead the Houston office, bringing nearly three decades of experience at Bracewell.
The move also places Ashurst Perkins Coie in an increasingly crowded BigLaw battleground. Paul Weiss, Sullivan & Cromwell and Dechert are among the major firms expanding into Houston.
The Ashurst media release on the Houston move is below –
Ashurst Perkins Coie is pleased to announce that Thomas (Tom) Tomlinson has joined the firm’s Projects, Energy, Environment & Resources (PEER) group as a partner, and Tamara McKinzie has joined the firm’s Real Estate group as a partner, establishing the firm’s presence in Houston, Texas.
The additions mark Ashurst Perkins Coie’s inaugural expansion into Houston, complementing its existing Texas offices in Dallas and Austin. The expansion reflects the firm’s continued growth strategy and commitment to investing in leading talent across the markets and sectors most important to its clients.
“Expanding into Houston is a natural continuation of our growth strategy,” said Paul Jenkins, Global Co-CEO. “Houston is one of the world’s most important hubs for energy and infrastructure, and Tom and Tamara are outstanding additions to our firm. Their arrival gives us a strong foundation in Houston and strengthens our ability to support our clients in this key market. As investment continues to accelerate across energy transition, digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies, Houston remains a critical market for our clients and our firm.”
Houston is a global center for investment and innovation. The firm’s expansion positions it closer to clients pursuing some of the market’s most significant opportunities while further strengthening the firm’s sector strategy.
“Establishing and growing our Houston presence is a deliberate investment in world-class talent and resources, enabling us to support clients where they operate, invest, and pursue growth,” said Bill Malley, Global Co-CEO. “Tom and Tamara bring exceptional experience across energy, infrastructure, and real estate, and we are delighted to welcome them to the firm. Houston sits at the intersection of sectors central to our strategy, and their arrival further strengthens the distinctive global platform we can offer clients pursuing growth and investment opportunities.”
Tom brings more than 30 years of experience advising sponsors, investors, developers, and lenders on transactions across the energy sector, including conventional and renewable power generation, energy storage, oil and gas, and pipeline projects. His practice focuses on project development, project finance, acquisitions, and divestitures across energy and infrastructure assets.
Tamara brings nearly 20 years of experience advising investors, developers, and utilities across the energy, renewable power, digital infrastructure, retail, office, financial services, and healthcare sectors. Her practice focuses on the acquisition, development, financing, and disposition of real estate assets, as well as land use, zoning, joint venture, and complex development matters.
“Ashurst Perkins Coie’s focus on helping clients navigate the intersection of energy, infrastructure, technology, and finance aligns closely with where the market is heading,” said Tom. “I was drawn to the firm’s global platform, collaborative culture, and commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for clients. I’m excited to help build the firm’s presence in Houston.”
“Clients need their real estate counsel to understand how their projects are financed, developed, and operated,” said Tamara. “I’m excited to bring my practice to Ashurst Perkins Coie, who combines deep energy and infrastructure experience with global reach, creating a strong platform to support clients as they pursue growth and investment opportunities.”
Tom earned his Bachelor of Arts from Williams College and his Juris Doctor from The University of Texas School of Law. Tamara earned her Bachelor of Science from Sam Houston State University and her Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston.
About Ashurst Perkins Coie
Ashurst Perkins Coie is the global law firm for the future economy. With 3,500 client-facing practitioners across 53 offices worldwide, the firm advises leading organizations in technology, energy and infrastructure, and financial services—three critical industries at the center of economic transformation. Combining global scale, sector insight, and technological capability, Ashurst Perkins Coie helps clients navigate change and unlock opportunity. For additional information about Ashurst Perkins Coie, please visit: www.ashurstperkinscoie.com.
