Texas is an “at-will” employment state, but workers and employers still navigate a dense thicket of federal and state regulations. In 2026, the landscape has shifted with new Texas laws regulating AI in hiring and strict bans on “quit fees” in employment contracts. Whether you are a senior executive negotiating a severance package or a business seeking to comply with the latest Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) updates, specialized legal counsel is essential.
1. Littler Mendelson, P.C.
Managing Partner: Erin Webber (President) / Local Texas Leads
Founded: 1942
Headquarters: San Francisco, CA (Texas Hubs: Houston & Dallas)
Phone: 713-951-9400
Website: https://www.littler.com
Office Locations:
- Houston: 1301 McKinney Street, Suite 1900, Houston, TX 77010 | 713-951-9400
- Dallas: 2001 Ross Avenue, Suite 1500, Dallas, TX 75201 | 214-880-8100
- Austin: 500 West 2nd Street, Suite 1200, Austin, TX 78701 | 512-982-7250
Practice Areas: Labor Relations, Employment Litigation, Wage and Hour, Workplace Safety (OSHA), Executive Compensation, AI & Technology
Firm Size: 1,800+ attorneys (Global)
Fee Structure: Hourly / Alternative Fee Arrangements (AFA)
Languages: English, Spanish, French, German
About the Firm: Littler Mendelson is the world’s largest law practice devoted exclusively to representing management in employment and labor law. In 2026, the firm was named “Law Firm of the Year” for Employment Law – Management by Best Law Firms®. Their Texas offices are particularly strong in the energy and transportation sectors, advising major corporations on compliance with the Texas Responsible AI Governance Act (TRAIGA). Littler is known for its proprietary technology, such as “Littler Edge,” which provides employers with real-time updates on changing state regulations. They frequently handle high-stakes class actions and union organizing disputes for Fortune 500 companies.
2. Clouse Brown PLLC
Founders: Keith Clouse and Alyson Brown
Founded: 2018 (Founders have 30+ years experience)
Headquarters: Dallas, TX
Phone: 214-698-5100
Website: https://clousebrown.com
Office Locations:
- Dallas: 1201 Elm Street, Suite 5250, Dallas, TX 75270 | 214-698-5100
Practice Areas: Executive Employment Contracts, Severance Negotiations, Non-Compete Agreements, Physician Contracts, Employment Litigation
Firm Size: Boutique specialized team
Fee Structure: Hourly / Retainer
Languages: English
About the Firm: Clouse Brown is a premier Dallas-based boutique that represents senior executives, physicians, and business owners in complex employment matters. Both founders are Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and were selected for the 2026 “Best Lawyers in America” list. The firm is widely recognized for its expertise in negotiating high-value severance packages and litigating non-compete/non-solicitation disputes. They are the go-to firm for C-suite professionals who require a sophisticated advocate to handle multi-million dollar compensation disputes or sensitive “for cause” termination defenses.
3. Ross • Scalise Employment Lawyers
Founder: Daniel Ross
Founded: 1998
Headquarters: Austin, TX
Phone: 512-474-7677
Website: https://www.rosslawgroup.com
Office Locations:
- Austin: 1104 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78701 | 512-474-7677
Practice Areas: Wrongful Termination, Workplace Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Wage & Hour, Retaliation
Firm Size: 10+ attorneys
Fee Structure: Contingency Fee (Plaintiff-side)
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Ross • Scalise Employment Lawyers has focused on protecting the rights of individual employees across Texas since 1998. They are one of the most prominent plaintiff-side firms in Austin, handling cases involving age, race, and disability discrimination. The firm is particularly noted for its success in wrongful termination and “whistleblower” retaliation claims. Daniel Ross is known for his tough representation against large corporations and has been frequently interviewed as a legal expert on overtime law and workplace harassment. The firm’s dedicated support staff helps clients navigate the administrative hurdles of filing claims with the Texas Workforce Commission and the EEOC.
4. Jackson Walker LLP
Managing Partner: Wade Cooper
Founded: 1887
Headquarters: Dallas, TX
Phone: 214-953-6000
Website: https://www.jw.com
Office Locations:
- Dallas: 2323 Ross Avenue, Suite 600, Dallas, TX 75201 | 214-953-6000
- Houston: 1401 McKinney Street, Suite 1900, Houston, TX 77010 | 713-752-4200
- San Antonio: 112 E. Pecan Street, Suite 2400, San Antonio, TX 78205 | 210-978-7700
Practice Areas: Employment Litigation Defense, Labor Relations, Employee Benefits & ERISA, Occupational Safety, Non-Compete Prosecution
Firm Size: 500+ attorneys
Fee Structure: Hourly
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Jackson Walker is one of the oldest and largest law firms in Texas, with a labor and employment practice that has “unparalleled knowledge” of the state’s legal landscape. In late 2025, the firm was recognized by BTI Consulting as a top firm for employment litigation. They represent a broad range of clients, from local Texas businesses to international conglomerates, providing counsel on everything from I-9 audits to complex collective actions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The firm is unique for its deep bench of former federal prosecutors and board-certified specialists who provide “pre-litigation” counseling to prevent workplace disputes before they reach the courtroom.
5. Kaplan Law Firm
Founder: Austin Kaplan
Founded: 2015
Headquarters: Austin, TX
Phone: 512-553-9060
Website: https://www.kaplanlawatx.com
Office Locations:
- Austin: 406 Sterzing St, Austin, TX 78704 | 512-553-9060
Practice Areas: Civil Rights, Employment Discrimination, FMLA Violations, Breach of Contract, Wage & Hour, Pregnancy Discrimination
Firm Size: Boutique specialized team
Fee Structure: Contingency / Hourly / Hybrid
Languages: English
About the Firm: Kaplan Law Firm is a modern Austin boutique dedicated to civil rights and employment law. They represent individuals in high-stakes claims against both private and public employers. Founder Austin Kaplan is a recognized advocate for marriage equality and civil rights in Texas, bringing that same passion to workplace discrimination and whistleblower cases. The firm is highly effective in navigating the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and has successfully litigated numerous cases involving pregnancy and gender discrimination. They are praised for their clear communication and have been repeatedly named to the “Best Law Firms” list by U.S. News & World Report for employment law.
Employment and labor relations in Texas are governed by a mix of federal statutes (such as the FLSA, ADA, and Title VII) and the Texas Labor Code. As of January 1, 2026, the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA) prohibits the use of AI systems that intentionally discriminate against protected classes in hiring or promotion. Additionally, House Bill 2466 (“Ban the Box”), which took effect in late 2025, prohibits most employers from inquiring about criminal history on initial job applications. Texas remains an at-will state, meaning either party can terminate the relationship for any legal reason; however, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) maintains strict guidelines for unemployment benefits and wage claims. Claims for discrimination must generally be filed with the Texas Civil Rights Division or the EEOC within 180 to 300 days of the alleged incident.
The firms listed on this page represent a selection of employment and labor practices operating across Texas. Each firm’s details, including office locations, phone numbers, practice areas, and background information, are based on publicly available data verified at the time of publication. Inclusion on this page does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Individuals seeking legal representation should conduct their own research, verify current attorney licensing through the State Bar of Texas, and schedule consultations to determine the right fit for their specific situation.
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