As it continues to build a full-service presence in Dallas and throughout Texas complementary of its international network, Reed Smith has expanded its 20-plus lawyer Dallas team with the appointment of Elizabeth Brandon as partner in its Global Commercial Disputes practice. Brandon was formerly with the Dallas office of Barnes & Thornburg LLP.
Known for delivering business-oriented results on behalf of her clients and a unique ability to analytically process voluminous and complex data and facts, Brandon has built a national practice centered on defending corporations and executives in complex commercial disputes in federal and state courts in Texas, California, Delaware, New York and other jurisdictions, as well as before arbitration tribunals. Her practice focuses on litigation involving class actions, securities, mergers and acquisitions, fiduciary duty and corporate governance disputes, and shareholder derivative litigation. She also has experience advising on director independence, disclosures, regulatory compliance, and investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
“When we launched our Dallas office, we knew that we needed to bring on the best of the best in order to signal to the market that we were committed to building and sustaining an industry-leading presence in the region,” said Peter Ellis, chair of Reed Smith’s Litigation department. “Elizabeth’s arrival does just that. She is widely considered one of the sharpest legal minds by in-house counsel throughout Dallas and across Texas. To say that she moves the needle is an understatement.”
Brandon has a track record of successful representations in industry sectors core to Reed Smith’s strategic business strengths – energy, construction, pharmaceuticals, and transportation – including engagements with Targa Resources Corp., Eli Lilly and Company, and Toyota, among others.
Additionally, Brandon has experience representing clients in sectors of importance to Dallas, including legal, consulting, data processing, technology, food and beverage, healthcare, entertainment, advertising, telecommunications, computer, travel, manufacturing, private equity and finance.
“Elizabeth’s skill as a litigator, her commitment to providing her clients with objective counsel, and her exacting yet balanced approach are a natural fit to our litigation and disputes practice around the world,” said Janet Kwuon, co-chair of Reed Smith’s Commercial Disputes practice group. “Simply put, Elizabeth is a force among litigators in Texas and we are very excited to welcome her to the firm.”
Since opening its Dallas office in May, Reed Smith has established a multidisciplinary practice that reflects the firm’s global capabilities. In addition to Brandon, Reed Smith’s Dallas litigation partners include Mark Johansen and co-office managing partner Brian Mitchell. The Dallas office also welcomed transactional partner Jorge Gutierrez to its Energy and Natural Resources practice last month.
“If you are a trial attorney in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, you know who Elizabeth Brandon is,” Mitchell said. “Elizabeth has an impeccable reputation for being among the most prepared and attentive trial lawyers in the business. Her arrival signifies just how important this market is to the firm’s continued growth and success. We are extremely excited to add her to our team.”
Outside of the courtroom, Brandon is dedicated to both advancing opportunities for women and diverse attorneys in the legal profession as well as giving back to the community. She serves on the board of directors of various not-for-profit organizations and is an active member of the Dallas Women Lawyers Association and the Texas State Bar Litigation Council.
“I am proud to be a part of the growth of Reed Smith in Dallas. This was the right opportunity at the right time, and I’m very excited about the opportunity to work with my fellow Reed Smith lawyers in Dallas and the team globally.”
Elizabeth obtained her J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law, has an M.A. from the University of Texas, and a B.A. from Texas A&M University.
Source: www.reedsmith.com
