Latham & Watkins announced that Shayne Henry has joined the firm’s Austin office as a partner in its Complex Commercial Litigation Practice, further strengthening the firm’s growing litigation presence in Texas and across the United States.
Henry is an experienced litigator and trial lawyer whose practice spans commercial and intellectual property disputes in state and federal courts, as well as domestic and international arbitration proceedings. He represents startups, private and public companies, and private equity firms across a range of industries, including the energy sector.
His experience includes handling complex business disputes, mass torts, product liability claims, employment matters, RICO cases, trade secret litigation, class actions, multidistrict litigation, and restructuring-related disputes arising from bankruptcy proceedings. Henry also advises Texas-based transactional clients on litigation-related risks and strategies, particularly within the oil and gas industry.
The addition marks the fifth Litigation & Trial partner to join Latham’s Texas offices in 2026, following the arrivals of Taj Clayton, Scott Thomas, Carson Young, and Casey Berger. The firm said Henry’s arrival reflects continued demand for sophisticated litigation capabilities as Texas attracts increasing investment activity, business expansion, and corporate transactions.
Latham leaders noted that the state’s evolving business environment is creating both opportunities and complex legal challenges for companies operating across multiple sectors. Henry’s trial experience and ability to manage high-stakes disputes are expected to further strengthen the firm’s capabilities in commercial litigation matters.
Henry joins Latham from Kirkland & Ellis. He earned his law degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law and received his undergraduate degree, summa cum laude, from the University of Arkansas. He also served as a law clerk to Judge Thelton E. Henderson of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
Latham & Watkins is a global law firm advising clients on complex transactions, litigation, and regulatory matters through offices in major financial and business centers worldwide.
KEY QUOTES:
“Shayne’s practice aligns exceptionally well with our clients’ needs in Texas and throughout the country, bringing extensive experience in complex commercial disputes. Texas continues to draw innovative businesses, investments, and significant deal flow, and with that growth comes increasingly complex disputes. Shayne adds the judgment and skill our clients expect at their most critical moments.”
Samer Zabaneh, Managing Partner, Austin Office, Latham & Watkins
“The Texas market’s ongoing evolution creates new opportunities as well as challenges for clients across industries. Latham has built one of the nation’s preeminent litigation practices, and Shayne’s arrival further expands the platform in Texas. His sharp legal instincts, trial experience, and drive will be a tremendous asset to the firm, and I’m thrilled to work with him again.”
Taj Clayton, Chair, Litigation & Trial Department In Texas, Latham & Watkins
“As clients face a growing number of business-critical disputes, Shayne joins us at a pivotal time for our practice and our clients. His addition deepens our commercial litigation capabilities in Texas and further enhances our ability to guide clients through their most significant matters.”
Steve Feldman, Global Chair, Complex Commercial Litigation Practice, Latham & Watkins
“Latham has assembled a deep team of litigators uniquely suited for handling high-stakes, multijurisdictional disputes at the highest level. The firm’s collaborative culture and cross-disciplinary strengths made this opportunity especially compelling, and I’m excited to work with this exceptional group in Texas and with colleagues firmwide.”
Shayne Henry, Partner, Latham & Watkins
