Price Tag Is $100K-Plus for Texas Firms’ Lavish Holiday Bashes
Houston law firms have booked some of the city’s ritziest venues for holiday parties that can cost $100,000 or more.
Some clients have criticized the big bashes, including some who complained last year about Baker Botts’ tab for overhead acrobats at the firm’s client appreciation party. As a result, many of the city’s big white-shoe law firms are tight-lipped about their plans or are ditching their big parties, the Houston Chronicle reports.
But plaintiffs law firms and other aggressive shops aren’t so reluctant. One judge told the newspaper he has stacks of holiday invitations from law firms. The sites include country clubs and upscale hotels.
Litigation law firm Susman Godfrey wants its parties to impress its clients, which are other lawyers who bring business to them, according to name partner Steve Susman. “We want people to think we’re extravagant,” he told the Chronicle. “We want them to find our rates so expensive that they hire us for a piece of the action.”
The law firm was the first to throw a big party this season, held at its own offices. About 800 guests dined on sushi, caviar and other expensive treats while quenching their thirst at five bars.
By way of contrast, plaintiffs lawyer Mark Lanier holds a family-friendly party at his 20-acre estate where country music stars Brooks & Dunn will entertain. This year’s invitation was accompanied by a snow globe with Santa playing a guitar. The ABA Journal wrote about this annual party in a December 2004 article.
