Dallas, Texas, January 5, 2023 – Wick Phillips is pleased to announce that Rob Wills, a partner in the commercial real estate section, became the firm’s Managing Partner January 1, 2023. Rob started at the firm as a summer associate in 2007, was hired as an associate in 2009, and made partner in 2017. Through the years, Rob has developed a strong background in all types of real estate, including industrial, office, multi-family, retail and mixed-use projects, corporate facilities, and multi-state portfolios. In this capacity, Rob has negotiated land acquisitions, ground leases, loan documents, and landlord/tenant leases, as well as coordinating land use issues. He also routinely advises clients on the formation and dissolution of partnerships and joint ventures in connection with the structuring of real estate transactions.
“I’m honored to be the next Managing Partner,” Wills said. “I am grateful that Todd and Bryan [WP’s founding partners] gave me a shot out of law school. They have always been supportive, recognizing and rewarding success early on. I’ve seen the firm grow from 15 attorneys to nearly 85. Unless you have a well-oiled machine and exceptional leadership, that’s hard to do.”
In addition, Wills is proud of the firm’s commitment to building and maintaining long-lasting relationships with their clients and recognizes that “without our clients we wouldn’t have a firm,” but also knows that “without the talented and amazing people at the firm, we wouldn’t have clients. Everyone here brings something unique and valuable that has contributed to the firm’s growth and success. My goal is to continue that growth and success while we set our sights on the future.”
Rob succeeds David Drez, who has been the Managing Partner since 2017. Under Drez’s leadership, the firm grew from 63 to 85 attorneys, expanded two offices, successfully navigated the Firm through a pandemic, and has become a premiere full-service law firm in Texas and beyond. Drez retains a leadership role at the firm as the litigation practice group leader, and continues to counsel clients in commercial litigation, royalty disputes, breach of contract, non-compete agreements, fraud, and bankruptcy-related litigation.
Drez says he is “proud” to see Wills take over the role and that “Rob will be an excellent Managing Partner. We have been working together on this transition for over a year and Rob is ready for the role. He understands our clients’ businesses and places a premium on building relationships.”
“I agree,” said Bryan Wick. “Rob is a superb choice. His talent and skills have been vital to the growth of our firm, and he represents what the firm has always stood for – our commitment to excellence and a positive culture.” Adds Todd Phillips, “Congratulations to Rob, I know he will continue to make us proud. And thank you to David for his outstanding leadership through the years. The Firm will continue to thrive thanks to leaders like Rob and David.”
ABOUT WICK PHILLIPS
Wick Phillips is a full-service business law firm serving clients across Texas and the United States. Founded in 2004, the firm has grown to nearly 85 attorneys, specializing in all areas of business law—complex commercial litigation and appeals, corporate transactions, labor and employment, real estate, intellectual property, bankruptcy, insurance coverage, tax, and securities—with offices in Austin, Dallas and Fort Worth.
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