Two prominent Dallas trial firms are announcing a merger to form Gruber Hurst Elrod Johansen Hail Shank LLP, one of the largest litigation-focused boutiques in Texas.

The merger of Gruber Hurst Johansen Hail Shank LLP and Elrod PLLC brings together 30 experienced and accomplished attorneys devoted to business litigation for corporations and individuals across a broad range of industries.

“This is an exciting combination of two boutique trial firms that have successfully handled very significant, challenging, high-profile matters,” says veteran trial lawyer David Elrod. “We’ve represented clients in a variety of complex cases in a number of other states as well as Texas, and there are few firms that can match the expertise and experience in Dallas courts and across Texas than the lawyers at Gruber Hurst. By joining forces, we have the opportunities, resources and outstanding attorneys to build an even broader presence in Texas and across the nation.”

In addition to significant recoveries in state and federal court litigation, the Elrod firm has played a key role in some of the largest bankruptcies in U.S. history, including the recovery of hundreds of millions of dollars for energy clients in New York and Texas courts as part of the Mirant and Calpine bankruptcies. The firm also has successfully defended major companies against multimillion-dollar liability claims.

“This is a move that makes sense for both our firms, bringing together attorneys with similar styles that reflect an aggressive and efficient approach in trying cases,” says Gruber Hurst partner Michael Gruber. “We each formed a little more than a decade ago, determined to serve clients at a higher level, at lower costs and with a better business perspective than larger firms. That approach has been successful for both of us, and it’s one that we’ll continue to follow.”