Key takeaways
- Michael Cortez joins BakerHostetler’s Houston office as a partner in the firm’s Business Practice Group and member of the Real Estate team.
- With more than two decades of experience, Cortez focuses on construction-related transactions, including complex energy procurement and oil and gas projects.
- Cortez’s arrival is the latest in a string of nationwide hires for the firm’s Business Practice Group that includes the additions of Elise Barajas (Dallas), Margaret Butler (New York), Brian Mulcahy (Chicago) and Stephen Ruscus (Washington).
Why this matters
Cortez’s arrival is the most recent strategic addition to the Houston office. Since 2020, the firm has added nearly 25 attorneys in the marketplace. Cortez’s experience representing a wide range of companies, including those in the oil and gas and renewable energy sectors, is an asset to the firm’s impressive Real Estate team, not only in Houston but across the U.S.
Key quote
“Mike is a phenomenal addition to our rapidly growing Business Practice Group and Real Estate team. His arrival showcases BakerHostetler’s commitment to growth, both in Texas and in real estate,” said Business Practice Group Chair John Allotta. “Mike brings immense knowledge and experience in construction law, and his extensive construction transaction background will be a benefit to our Real Estate team and the clients we serve.”
About Cortez’s practice
Cortez joins BakerHostetler from a Chambers-ranked boutique construction law firm based in Texas. As the construction transactional law practice leader at that firm, Cortez worked on many energy procurement and construction projects, design and construction contracts, project risk management matters and lien and bond claims. His experience also includes representing clients in drafting and negotiating complex construction contracts under multiple project delivery systems.
Before entering private practice, Cortez served as outsourced project counsel with the largest engineering and construction company in the U.S. and also served as in-house construction counsel for a multibillion-dollar domestic portfolio of multifamily and mixed-use projects for a prominent real estate development company in Houston.
Cortez earned his Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law and his B.B.A. from Texas A&M University.
Key quote
“As part of our firmwide strategic plan, BakerHostetler has made a long-term commitment to growing the Houston office,” said Managing Partner Matthew Caligur. “In just two years, we’ve brought nearly 25 new attorneys on board. Mike’s arrival adds more depth and breadth to our Houston office as we continue to expand our capabilities to best meet client demand in this rapidly growing and highly competitive marketplace.”
Original source can be found here.