It’s no secret that those of us at the Texas Chronicles and Kinney Recruiting have deep ties to the University of Texas.  We are of course based in Austin, and several of our employees attended the University and the School of Law.  And the orange in our logo is no coincidence.  Needless to say, our offices have seen more than a few heated discussions about football, basketball, the Big 12, baseball, volleyball, Mack Brown, national championships, swimming & diving…(the list goes on).  We’ve even been prone to a few DFW/Austin inter-office arguments over TCU or the occasional bout with Evan Jowers, whose beloved Gators somehow hired our head coach in waiting.

With that in mind, there’s some news from right here in the capital of Texas that encompasses a few of our interests.  The just announced retirement of athletic director DeLoss Dodds has opened one of the biggest jobs in American sports.  In a press release, the University stated that it will retain executive search firm Korn/Ferry to fill the position.  This is exciting news for our staffing industry cohorts, and we wish them the best of luck in the process.  It also shows that no matter what the position, the involvement and insight of a great recruiting team can make all the difference for both employers and candidates.

Many are wondering if Weil’s recent layoffs are the first in another wave of major firm cuts.  While Weil certainly has provided cover for firms looking to trim headcount, we see the cuts as firm-specific.  Others seem to agree.

Texas is home to an incredible amount of law firms, and many are recognized each year for their contribution to legal excellence. If you are seeking legal recruitment by a top firm, our attorney headhunters constantly update our list of the top firms in Texas, and we can help you find an applicable opening for career advancement.

Texas Monthly recently completed a two year study and created a list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in Texas, which included a four law firms. The following two organizations were recognized for their outstanding employees, exceptional business practices and reliable reputation.  Also named to the list were Strasburger and Price LLP and Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend PC.

Hunton & Williams LLP

According to its website, “Hunton & Williams represents clients across the full spectrum of industries that make up today’s global economy, from manufacturers, financial institutions, retailers, healthcare companies and professional-services providers, to businesses and academic institutions developing renewable energy resources and new technology solutions.”

The law firm has over 800 lawyers spread across 19 offices in the United States. Dallas, Austin and Houston are each home to a branch of this respected firm, and each of these three offices contributed to the industry accolade.

Vinson & Elkins LLP

This international firm operates in Austin, Dallas and Houston, and has offices across the world. Vinson & Elkins deals with a wide variety of clients, and is the perfect place to begin a legal career.

Vinson & Elkins was the only law firm in the Houston area to receive the 2011 Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility, which is awarded based on alternatives and flexible incentives made available for employees. Any lawyer searching for a fantastic work environment and top-notch legal work should consider a career with Vinson & Elkins.

Due to its sheer size and profitable market, Texas has long been a center for the construction industry. Subsequently, multiple law firms specializing in construction law call this state home, as there is a high demand for lawyers and attorneys who know their way around a building site. Legal recruitment for these firms is picking up in Texas and several firms have recently been recognized for their expertise in the industry.

Andrews Myers law firm has consistently been ranked as one of the top construction companies in Texas, according to the Sacramento Bee. Recently, the 2012 Chambers USA, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business report awarded Andrews Myers a “Band One” rating, and named four of its attorneys as leading experts. William K. “Bill” Andrews, Thomas W. “Tom” Myers, William B. “Ben” Westcott and William J. “Jason” Walker were the lawyers recognized, reported the news source.

In addition, Dallas-, Austin- and Houston-based construction firm Ford Nassen & Baldwin, P.C., was highlighted in the 2012 edition of The Legal 500 United States. It was recognized as one of the top construction law firms in the United States.

These construction litigation firms have a need for all sorts of legal professionals. They will need law clerks, specialized attorneys and even receptionists who are educated in industry terms and procedures. If you believe that you may qualify for an open position, give our attorney headhunters a call.

At Kinney Recruiting, we can give you access to positions and postings that may not be listed on the public market. And if you are relocating from another part of the country, we can give you helpful living and moving tips that will help make your personal and professional transition much easier.

A new Houston Chronicle article detailing a recent Rice University study on population growth can be found here.

Check out CNN Money’s story on the fastest growing Southern cities.