A growing Seattle-based international law firm has expanded its footprint to Texas with the announcement today that it is opening a new office in Dallas.

Perkins Coie is bringing in former Greenberg Traurig partner Steven Smith, who specializes in real estate workouts and lending matters, to be the partner in charge of the new office. The firm, which has hired some 200 lawyers laterally since 2005, now has more than 700 attorneys in 16 offices in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Oregon, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin and China, according to a press release.

There are nearly 50 attorneys in the firm's real estate practice group, and Smith is expected to help Perkins Coie grow its representation of commercial mortgage-backed securities special services clients, a number of which are headquartered in Dallas.

"It is a testament to our growing strength as a national firm that Steve has chosen to join us," says managing partner Bob Giles in the release. "We are committed to expanding our real estate capabilities, and Steve will help us pursue that strategic goal. We are delighted to have him join the firm."

Related earlier coverage:

ABAJournal.com: "Blank Rome Adds a Texas Lawyer, Looks for Office Space in Houston"