WSHB is excited to announce the launch of its newest office located in the vibrant Rio Grande Valley of Texas. This strategic expansion comes in response to the growing demand for legal services in South Texas. WSHB is proud to be the first national firm to establish a presence in this thriving region, with McAllen as the chosen location for this exciting endeavor.
The Rio Grande Valley, or el Valle del Rio Bravo, as it is known in Mexico, is home to almost 1.4 million people. The region shares a border with Mexico and is a bustling hub of transportation for goods entering the United States. The region has also made headlines recently because of the placement of a SpaceX launch site in the Brownsville area. Considering the binational population clustered along the Rio Grande Valley, the total population includes 2.67 million people (counting 1.38 million in Mexico.) This makes the Rio Grande Valley the second largest border conurbation with Mexico, second only to San Diego-Tijuana.
“Our client base drove the opening of this office. Its inception was in response to repeated requests for experienced defense lawyers hailing from this region due to the influx of matters involving construction, transportation, toxic tort and employment litigation," commented Stewart Reid, firmwide managing partner. "Pandemic supply chain issues underscored the need for companies to move operations closer to the States, and Rio Grande Valley is an extremely busy place for entry for these goods, driving additional activity and need for competent local counsel.”
Clients visiting the new office can expect the same dedication to excellence, integrity, and client-focused representation that WSHB is celebrated for nationwide. The team in the Rio Grande Valley comprises experienced attorneys dedicated to upholding the firm’s values and delivering favorable outcomes for clients.
"When we talk about hometown jurisdictions where local talent is even more critical, the Rio Grande Valley immediately comes to mind," said WSHB partner Dan Paret. Paret is an accomplished civil and commercial litigator whose practice spans labor and employment, oil and gas and professional liability. He also handles cybersecurity and data privacy matters.
Paret is a graduate of Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law. He was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and is fluent in Spanish. His legal accolades include recognition as a "Rising Star" from 2020 - 2023 in civil litigation by Super Lawyers Magazine. Dan has also been named a "Top Attorney" by 360 West Magazine, a distinction he's held since 2017.
WSHB South Texas team also includes Rio Grande Valley native, senior counsel, Americo Cisneros. "I feel honored to be part of WSHB's office in McAllen and look forward to serving local clients' needs in South Texas." Cisneros stated. "South Texas and particularly the Rio Grande Valley area is often overlooked by national firms. However, this area has been growing exponentially during the last few years and has an immediate need for an insurance and civil litigation defense firm. This is my home and being in a jurisdiction with a reputation for hometown affinity, it's incredible. I'm confident that WSHB's presence in South Texas will be a great asset to our clients and community."
Wood Smith Henning & Berman: Your Trusted Partner
Experience the power of a proven industry leader in the law. Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) is renowned globally for our exceptional trial results and expertise in handling complex litigation. With our nationwide network of over 450 lawyers across 39 office locations, we provide comprehensive litigation and counsel to both public and private companies. From start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations, we deliver unrivaled legal representation that consistently achieves favorable outcomes for our clients.
At WSHB, our strength lies in our diverse and accomplished team of attorneys. We boast thought leaders and defense specialists in over 40 fields of practice, covering an extensive range of specialties. Founded in 1997, we are proud to be among the top ten law firms in the nation for diversity, female partners, female lawyers, and Hispanic lawyers. This rich tapestry of diversity forms the foundation of our success when presenting cases to juries of our peers, ensuring we understand the unique nuances underlying each claim.
Our expansive geographic footprint allows us to provide effective and efficient representation to clients nationwide, regardless of their location, background, or legal expertise. By prioritizing strategic and cost-effective approaches to litigation, our dedicated attorneys work tirelessly to protect the interests of our clients. We have a track record of success, securing numerous victories such as summary judgments and defense verdicts on behalf of our clients. As a trial firm, we have taken over 1,800 cases to verdict, making us well-equipped to handle even the most complex and high-stakes litigation matters across the country.