Baker Botts L.L.P.

Baker Botts has been an integral part of Houston's business community since 1840 when the firm's founder, Peter Gray, commenced his law practice in the Republic of Texas. As Houston's economy developed, so did the scope of the firm's legal services. The railroad industry was a major building block in establishing the firm's practice in the then-fledging city. From its earliest days, the firm also participated in the evolution of the oil and gas industry. Over the years, Baker Botts lawyers went on to represent nearly every major domestic oil company in the United States, as well as numerous international oil companies.

With these solid client beginnings, Baker Botts was effectively rooted as a pillar institution in the Houston community. Today, as the third-largest law firm in Houston, the office encompasses a dynamic group of lawyers who continue to handle landmark cases and deals for clients in a multitude of industries. The firm is renowned for its ethical standards, premium legal abilities, industry expertise, excellence in client service and dedication to the Houston community.

Baker Botts lawyers and employees serve on numerous charitable and civic boards and committees in Houston, including the Greater Houston Partnership, Downtown Houston Alliance, Dress for Success Houston, Alley Theatre, Central Houston, Houston Ballet, Houston Area Women's Center, Houston Grand Opera, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Hermann Park Conservancy, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, Rice University, Holocaust Museum Houston, Fund for Teachers, Junior Achievement, Houston Zoo, Neighborhood Centers, Inc., Project Row Houses and DePelchin Children's Center. The office has fostered a 15-year partnership with an inner-city elementary school in Houston, and has organized an internal volunteer corps for all firm employees.

Baker Botts lawyers also serve in the capacity of general counsel to organizations that include the Houston Symphony, Communities in Schools Houston and the San Jacinto Girl Scouts. The firm is well-represented in Houston's prestigious Texas Medical Center, with board presence at M.D. Anderson, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, Methodist Hospital, St. Luke's and UT Health Science Center.

The Houston office has a long legacy of public service. With the express support of firm management, Baker Botts lawyers annually donate over 13,000 hours to pro bono matters that focus on family law, business, criminal and civil rights issues. The Houston community has recognized the firm's efforts in many ways over the years. A special acknowledgement of our dedication is the Leon Jaworski Award, presented by the Houston Bar Auxiliary. Award recipients are lawyers who are recognized for a lifetime of dedicated public service. The award was presented to two of the firm's former managing partners: in 1991 to William C. Harvin (managing partner 1972-1984), and in 2000 to E. William "Bill" Barnett (managing partner 1984-1998), as well as to the late Tom Martin Davis. Most recently, Charlie Szalkowski, the firm's general counsel, was honored with the Leon Jaworski Award in 2006.

Another example of the firm's dedication to public service is demonstrated by the Anti-Defamation League's Karen H. Susman Jurisprudence Award. Rufus Cormier received this award in 2004. The award is given annually to one Houston lawyer "for their devotion to the principles enshrined in the Constitution, for their commitment to the democratic values that characterize the United States, and for their dedication to fair and equal justice for all."

Baker Botts has longtime ties to William Marsh Rice University and the Baker Institute of Public Policy. Captain James Baker, son of founding partner Judge James A. Baker, was William Marsh Rice's lawyer long before Rice University opened its doors in 1912. Baker Botts lawyers have continued to keep the traditions between the two Houston institutions alive by serving on Rice University's board and its various committees. James A. Baker III, 61st Secretary of State and 67th Secretary of the Treasury, is a senior partner with the firm and serves as the honorary chair of the Baker Institute. The nonpartisan think tank is an integral part of Rice University. Baker Botts is honored to have such a rich history with these two formidable Houston institutions.

Baker Botts is dedicated to providing unparalleled, quality legal services to its clients. The firm's culture is based on the highest standards of ethics, dedication to its clients' ever-changing needs and service excellence. Our common goal is to provide successful results to our clients. We work together every day with integrity and foresight as a network of diverse lawyers with first-rate legal expertise and industry knowledge, bolstered by the most advanced technological resources, to assist our clients with their most challenging needs.

Partner in Charge

		Boyce, Maria Wyckoff		713.229.1922