Thompson & Knight Names Emily Parker as Managing Partner

DALLAS, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Thompson & Knight LLP is pleased to announce that Emily A. Parker has been named Managing Partner of the Firm effective February 15.  Parker, the first female attorney hired by Thompson & Knight in 1973, has previously served as a Practice Group Leader and Hiring Partner, as well as two terms on the Firm's Management Committee.  From 2002 to 2004, Parker was Deputy Chief Counsel and later Acting Chief Counsel of the Internal Revenue Service, where she was ultimately responsible for all legal matters within the IRS and leadership of the agency's more than 1,500 attorneys. She succeeds Jeffrey A. Zlotky, who has led the 350-attorney firm since 2009 and will resume full-time his nationally renowned private equity practice specializing in the energy industry.

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"Emily's legal skills, leadership qualities, and vision are well known, and the entire Firm is enthusiastic that she has agreed to accept these responsibilities," says Zlotky.  "This new role is just the latest in a series of firsts that have distinguished Emily's career in the law and in public service."

In addition to her new duties, Parker will continue to serve clients and maintain her nationally respected practice in the area of corporate taxation and litigation.  Parker has represented large corporate taxpayers in a number of landmark cases in the energy industry and the area of estate taxation.  Her 2010 victory in Container Corp. v. Commissioner resulted in Thompson & Knight being named the "U.S. Tax Court Firm of the Year" by International Tax Review.  In response to the Tax Court's decision in that case and because of concerns about the potential loss of revenue resulting from the ruling, the U.S. Congress amended the underlying law.

"I'm honored to serve the clients and attorneys of Thompson & Knight," says Parker.  "We have spent the last year developing our strategic plan, and I will be focused on implementing that plan to enhance and expand the Firm.  I believe that the Firm is well-positioned for the future, and we will continue to build the talent, trust, and culture that allow us to deliver outstanding results for our clients every day."

During her career Parker has been recognized in a wide range of business and legal publications, most recently being named as 2012 Dallas Litigation & Controversy-Tax Lawyer of the Year by The Best Lawyers in America®.   She has held numerous leadership positions for local, state, and national bar organizations, including service as Vice Chair of the American Bar Association's Section of Taxation.  She has also served as a community volunteer for Dallas CASA, the Child Abuse Prevention Center, and Easter Seals of Dallas.

Parker earned her law degree with honors in 1973 from the Southern Methodist University School of Law (now known as SMU Dedman School of Law), and was selected as the school's 2007-2008 Distinguished Alumni for Government Service.  She earned her undergraduate degree with highest honors from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1970.

About Thompson & Knight

Established in 1887, Thompson & Knight is a full-service firm providing legal solutions to public and private companies, governments, and individuals in all areas, including commercial and tort litigation, finance, banking, securities, mergers and acquisitions, taxation, intellectual property, corporate governance, creditors' rights, real estate, labor, white collar defense, and environmental matters, among others.  We are particularly recognized for our depth of experience and capabilities on behalf of clients in the energy industry, both domestically and around the world.  Thompson & Knight has been named the "Law Firm of the Year" in Oil & Gas Law in the 2011-2012 edition of Best Law Firms, the preeminent listing of the nation's top legal practices published by U.S. News & World Report and The Best Lawyers in America®.  Thompson & Knight has approximately 350 attorneys with offices in Texas and New York and international offices and associations in the Americas, North Africa, Europe, and Asia.

For additional information:
Becky S. Jackson
Chief Client Services Officer
214.969.1478

SOURCE Thompson & Knight LLP