Bagnall And Welock Join Dykema In Dallas

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the additions of Kelly Franklin Bagnall and Amber Taylor Welock to the firm’s Dallas office. Bagnall joins as a Member and Welock as Of Counsel. Bagnall will lead Dykema’s newly established Hospitality Practice Group, a full service practice including operational, transactional and litigation related matters.

Joining Dykema from Brown McCarroll, L.L.P., Bagnall and Welock focus their practices on commercial and general civil litigation/arbitration and business counseling, with emphasis on contract negotiations and resolution, operational issues, labor and employment disputes, business torts, products and premises liability, and breach of contract disputes. Bagnall and Welock assist clients in a variety of business areas including vendor and management agreements, government investigations, real estate-related matters, franchise disputes, antitrust issues, risk management and collection and deficiency claims.

"Dykema continues to add key lateral attorneys throughout the firm and engage in strategic expansion discussions with practice groups and firms that share a similar strategy, culture, and set of values and that have market leadership positions in key economic centers throughout the country," said Rex Schlaybaugh, Dykema’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Kelly and Amber bring with them a deep pool of contacts, including national hotel and hospitality companies, that will be well served by Dykema’s value and service platform. They bring a first-class practice to the firm, undoubtedly providing new business opportunities not only in Dallas, but nationally as well."

"Dykema offers us a national footprint that will be extremely useful to our clients, particularly the hotel and resort owners and management companies," said Bagnall. "The firm’s tremendous depth in areas of interest to our commercial clients, including tax, employment, franchise, patent, antitrust, and litigation, will enhance the service we can provide to our clients. These were important factors in our decision to join Dykema."

About Bagnall and Welock

In addition to the hospitality industry, Bagnall has handled numerous matters for clients in the broadcast media, printing services, and communications services industries.

A frequent author and speaker, Bagnall is a member of the National Association of Credit Management, Professional Convention Management Association, Meeting Professionals International, Dallas Bar Association, and the State Bar of Texas.

She received a J.D. from Southern Methodist University School of Law and a B.B.A. in finance from Southern Methodist University.

Welock has represented clients in State and Federal courts across the country and has advised clients regarding issues and matters involving various State Attorneys General. She also regularly assists clients in the commercial real estate, restaurant, printing services/supply, automotive, insurance, construction, and aviation industries.

Welock was named a "Texas Rising Star" by Law and Politics Media, Inc. in 2010. She received a J.D. and a B.A., with high honors, from the University of Texas at Austin. She is also a member of the State Bar of Texas, Dallas Bar Association and Dallas Association of Young Lawyers.