Andrews & Kurth Adds Public Finance and Public Law Practice, 5 Partners Join Houston Office

HOUSTON -- Andrews & Kurth L.L.P. announced today that Gene L. Locke, Bob Collie, Rick Witte, Kathryn V. Garner and Mark Arnold have joined the firm as partners in the public finance and public law practice in the Houston office. Several other lawyers also will be joining Andrews & Kurth as part of the nationally recognized public law practice.

"This is a natural area of growth for Andrews & Kurth. This highly respected group of lawyers complements our existing practices, and brings with it a high-profile client base," said Howard Ayers, Andrews & Kurth`s managing partner.

Both Locke and Collie are former City Attorneys for the City of Houston. Locke, whose practice focuses primarily on litigation and general counsel services for governmental entities, said "Andrews & Kurth affords an excellent opportunity to ensure high quality legal representation and professional commitment to our clients. Andrews & Kurth is a dynamic firm and definitely a firm we want to be a part of." Locke will be a member of Andrews & Kurth`s management committee.

Collie, who has practiced public law in Houston for more than 25 years, focuses primarily on public finance, serving as bond counsel and underwriters` counsel in bond financing throughout Texas. He has been involved in the development of many of the area`s major infrastructure projects, including sports facilities, toll roads, airports and utility systems. Collie noted, "Andrews & Kurth`s recognized strengths in securities, real estate and tax, together with its geographic coverage, will enhance our ability to serve existing clients and attract new ones. Opportunities for our attorneys and staff will be better than ever."

Witte, who has practiced in Houston for 15 years, focuses on public finance and is widely recognized for his work in transactions on behalf of schools, cities, counties and other local governments. His clients also include investment bankers and financial advisors in municipal finance.

Garner is an experienced tax counsel in public finance. For 15 years she has advised clients on federal income taxation issues in tax-exempt transactions, as well as provided counsel to tax-exempt organizations, such as private foundations and charities.

Arnold`s practice focuses on the real estate, lending and construction law aspects of the group`s public practice. He has also been responsible for numerous aspects in the development of major sports venues and hotels, as well as restaurants, offices and industrial real estate developments.

All five partners were formerly with Mayor, Day, Caldwell & Keeton, L.L.P.

Andrews & Kurth L.L.P. was founded in Houston in 1902 and today has 242 lawyers in offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, London, New York, The Woodlands and Washington D.C. In addition to the public finance and public law practices, firm`s practice areas include bankruptcy, business transactions, energy, environmental, corporate and securities, labor and employment, litigation, project finance, real estate, technology and tax law for U.S. and international clients.