Joseph Coniglio, Managing Shareholder – Dallas, Greenberg Traurig

Joseph Coniglio, managing shareholder at Greenberg Traurig in Dallas, spoke with Invest: about the firm’s growth over the last 12 months, highlighting two new hires and successful trial wins. He also explained how Greenberg Traurig attracts talent, and why North Texas is an exciting place of growth and opportunity for the legal firm.

What has been keeping Greenberg Traurig busy this year? 

2024 was a year where we built momentum each quarter. With the macroeconomic movement of inflation and interest rates in the right direction, we’re seeing more transactional activity from clients, and our growth has continued in each quarter in 2024. It gives us a lot of optimism and confidence going into the next year. 

What are some of the firm’s highlights and achievements over the last 12 months?

Over the last 12 months GT Dallas has continued growth with significant new client activity, especially with transactional work in the latter half of the year. Our office in Dallas remains balanced and diversified, allowing us to pivot with market demands. We’ve had two notable recent hires. Ashley Moore is an intellectual property litigator who joined us this past year and hit the ground running with a significant trial in Boston upon arrival. We also have a new banking and financial services shareholder named Jera Bradshaw, who brings extensive experience in government and regulatory sectors. Our goal in Dallas is to be closely connected to the business and charitable community, while still having the platform to support global work across our 48 offices. Our Litigation team has been exceptionally busy, and we’ve recently had two big trial wins, one for American Airlines and another for Frost Bank. On the transactional side we’ve had strong activity in real estate, private equity, and mergers and acquisitions. We represented Vizient, the nation’s largest provider-driven healthcare performance improvement company, in their acquisition of Kaufman Hall.

What makes North Texas an ideal location for your firm?

Texas is a welcoming place for businesses. No state income tax and a competitive cost of living help create a pro-business climate. It’s in the middle of the United States, which means easy access to the entire United States and to global markets through the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. Texas and Dallas remain attractive for companies relocating from higher-cost states.

What are some differentiators that position you as a top firm in the DFW area?

We’ve been in the Dallas market for over 21 years. We have Texas roots and a global reach. Our goal isn’t just to service clients in Texas, but to grow with the community and be part of the enterprising spirit of the state. We’ve had partnership opportunities with organizations like Bonton Farms in South Dallas, transforming a food desert into an urban garden. We are one of the leading law firms when it comes to giving, which separates us from other firms. It is important for us to have an authentic connection to the communities where we live and work. 

What are some recent regulations or legislation that may have an impact on your clients?

In the real estate sector, the changing dynamics on interest rates have had an impact on portfolio strategies and growth opportunities. Healthcare is a sector where post-pandemic issues remain significant, and the focus is shifting to preventive care and maximizing healthcare funding efficiency. That all has a regulatory framework behind it which is changing after the elections.

How is the culture at your firm helping to attract and retain top talent?

It’s an honor for us to be named one of the Dallas Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in North Texas for the sixth time. That designation is based on feedback from our own employees and a culture of teamwork, accountability, and grace. A unique strategic benefit we have is we’re not just a firm with offices in Dallas, Houston, and Austin. We operate as Greenberg Traurig Texas and work seamlessly across all our offices. That has helped us add so many talented lawyers over the years. We’ve done it the hard way, without merging with other firms. We’re cherry-picking people who aren’t just great lawyers, but who also fit with the culture. 

Are there any specific technologies you’ve incorporated to create efficiencies for your teams and better serve your clients?

A main focus for us is the impact of AI and how it affects our world. We’ve developed a platform that supports our AI projects, creates efficiencies for our clients, and harnesses the benefits of that technology to improve problem-solving. AI is still in its infancy and has its drawbacks, but already enables faster and more precise data analysis.

How are you advising your clients around the legal ethical challenges surrounding AI, cybersecurity, and data protection?

We are vigilant in addressing how we control data and cybersecurity challenges. Our global platform enables a thorough approach to cybersecurity issues, and we offer training and resources to ensure both lawyers and clients are prepared to navigate potential threats.

Are there any exciting projects or initiatives that will help shape the future of Greenberg Traurig in Texas?

We’re positioned to continue to grow with an enterprising spirit that matches the spirit of Texas. After being here 21 years, we feel like a Texas firm. We have the wind behind our back, having 48 offices in most economic centers across the country. We have lawyers who can support our global clients, but we also have the agility to handle matters right here in North Texas. We’re excited about the future of practicing law here, with significant opportunities in the region’s dynamic and growing business community.