Looking to a client's seasoned in-house counsel for an opportunity to expand its law practice, Blank Rome has brought in a Texas lawyer as a partner and is now apparently making plans to open a new office in Houston.

New partner Joseph Speelman has some 35 years of chemical industry litigation experience, reports the Houston Business Journal. He previously served as associate general counsel for litigation, security and compliance for LyondellBasell, a client of Blank Rome, and will work in the firm's products liability, mass torts and insurance practice group.

"As part of Blank Rome’s strategic growth plan, we have been looking at potential opportunities in Texas for some time, as we have more than 90 clients either headquartered or doing business in Texas,” Melissa Volin, the Philadelphia-based firm's director of public relations, tells the business publication. “We are currently looking for office space, but for the interim, Joe will be working out of his home office.”

A law firm press release provides additional details.