Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP is proud to announce the addition of Val Perkins as a partner in the Government Affairs Practice Group. Mr. Perkins will practice out of the Firm's Houston and Austin offices.
As a lobbyist before the Texas Legislature, Mr. Perkins has represented clients in business, construction, health care, real estate, housing, special district creation and other issues for nearly 30 years. A significant portion of his lobbying practice has involved legislation related to the creation and regulation of Municipal Utility Districts and other special governmental units.
"Val will add valuable depth and expertise to our already strong lobbying group," says Steve Good, Gardere's managing partner. "With his experience as a lobbyist, representing clients before state and local government and his litigation expertise, he is a perfect complement to the already strong group of lawyers on our government affairs team."
In addition to his government affairs work, Mr. Perkins also has an active administrative law and litigation practice. He has represented clients in administrative matters and hearings before state agencies, Houston-area city councils and school district boards. He has extensive litigation experience in general and commercial litigation, real estate, construction, environmental, zoning and public liability law.
"I've enjoyed almost 30 years of lobbying the interests of clients before the Texas Legislature and in representing municipalities and clients in their dealings with governmental entities, but the impressive depth of Gardere's lawyers and practice areas should vastly enhance my legislative and litigation activities," says Mr. Perkins. "I look forward to expanding my legislative and administrative practice in Austin and to representing Gardere's clients in governmental, administrative and litigation matters in the Houston area and throughout Texas."
A Harvard Law School graduate, Mr. Perkins has represented clients not only before the Texas Legislature, but also on all levels of state and federal courts, including the Supreme Court of Texas and the U.S. Supreme Court. He began his career at Butler Binion and spent the past 10 years as a partner in Coats Rose.
Kim Yelkin, executive partner of the Austin Office and leader of the Government Affairs practice group, says, "Val's vast expertise in government affairs and administrative law will strengthen our team heading into the important 2011 legislative session. We are proud this accomplished lawyer has joined us at Gardere."