Dechert Expands Litigation Practice in Houston
Dechert LLP has announced an exciting development by hiring Jim Wetwiska, a highly regarded trial attorney specialized in energy and technology litigation, to set up its new office in Houston. Wetwiska's arrival is expected to bolster the firm's already impressive capabilities within the legal sector.
Expertise in Diverse Areas of Litigation
Wetwiska has a wealth of experience handling complex commercial, energy, product liability, and software litigation. He is known for tackling significant business torts, healthcare disputes, contract issues, and intellectual property cases. His background includes representing a diverse range of industries such as energy, waste management, transportation, logistics, and healthcare entities.
Impressive Litigation Track Record
His substantial experience encompasses jury trials across various jurisdictions in the United States, where he has achieved noteworthy victories as both a plaintiff and defendant. Additionally, Wetwiska has handled arbitrations around the globe and has been deeply involved in substantial oil and gas litigation in regions including Europe, the U.S., and West Africa. His expertise is particularly strong in intellectual property litigation, especially within the chemical and oil industries. He also provides valuable advisory services to public boards regarding critical strategic transactions.
Strong Leadership Support
Mark Thierfelder, co-chair of Dechert, expressed enthusiasm about Wetwiska's addition, stating, "Jim is an outstanding trial lawyer with significant board room experience. He will be a fantastic asset to our current client base, and we look forward to expanding the firm's client relationships in Houston."
Synergy with Firm’s Strengths
Wetwiska shared his enthusiasm for joining Dechert by emphasizing the firm’s strong litigation resources. He noted, "Dechert's strong litigation platform and resources make it the ideal home for my energy and technology practice. Its robust mergers and acquisitions and private capital operations will significantly benefit my clients and help deliver remarkable results in Houston and globally."
Recent Lateral Hires Enhancing the Firm
The arrival of Wetwiska follows a series of strategic lateral hiring moves within Dechert. These additions include Randy Mastro, who stepped in as co-chair of the securities and complex litigation team in New York, transitioning from his role as First Deputy Mayor of New York City. Another key hire is Jarlath Pratt, who joined as a corporate and securities partner in London, enhancing the firm's global private capital capabilities. Furthermore, David Marcinkus, a financial services group partner in Washington, D.C., who previously worked with the SEC, also joined to strengthen the firm’s private credit and permanent capital practice.
A Robust Global Litigation Practice
Dechert is recognized for its ability to navigate some of the most significant and intricate domestic and multi-jurisdictional disputes worldwide. The global litigation team comprises more than 225 attorneys who blend the insights of former law clerks and government officials with top litigators from prestigious firms alongside homegrown talent.
About Dechert
Dechert is a leading law firm dedicated to aiding business leaders in navigating complex challenges. With over 150 years of experience, the firm advises clients on critical matters spanning high-stakes litigation, innovative transaction structures, and intricate regulatory concerns.
Dechert empowers clients to achieve exceptional outcomes by providing steadfast partnership and expertise across key sectors, including financial services, private capital, real estate, life sciences, and technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jim Wetwiska?
Jim Wetwiska is a trial attorney specializing in energy and technology litigation, recently hired by Dechert to open their Houston office.
What areas does Wetwiska specialize in?
Wetwiska focuses on complex business, energy, product liability, software litigation, and intellectual property cases.
What has Wetwiska achieved in his career?
He has extensive jury trial experience and has won significant cases as both a plaintiff and defendant.
Why is Wetwiska's hiring significant for Dechert?
His expertise is expected to enhance Dechert's litigation practice and client relationships in Houston.
What is the history of Dechert?
Founded over 150 years ago, Dechert has built a reputation for advising clients on critical legal issues globally.
