(DALLAS) – Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C. (Munsch Hardt), a Texas-based and trusted middle-market commercial law firm, proudly announces its 40th anniversary on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Founded by six attorneys, the Firm has since expanded to more than 160 attorneys across three offices located in Dallas, Austin and Houston.
In 1985, six associates left one of the largest law firms in Dallas at the time to form Decker Hardt Kopf Harr Munsch & Dinan: Steven A. Harr and Richard O. Kopf, who are still with the Firm today; Joe Hardt, Dan Decker and John Dinan, each of whom went on to successful in-house or C-level positions with clients; and Russell L. Munsch, who passed away in 2017. The founders’ concept was to break away from old guard law firm practices to develop a more energetic, agile and responsive firm focused on addressing the actual needs of clients, providing practical and creative solutions, and creating a platform for the next generation of business leaders. Now, four decades and 160 attorneys later, Munsch Hardt’s approach and vision remain the same.
“Our 40th anniversary milestone is a testament to the continued commitment to our work quality, curated culture and the trust our clients have placed in us over the years,” said E. David Coligado, CEO of Munsch Hardt. “As we look ahead to our next four decades, we expect to broaden our reach and continue providing the exceptional service that has defined our Firm since its inception.”
Throughout its history, Munsch Hardt has focused on representing commercial clients on any legal issue they face during the life cycle of their business. To date, some of the Firm’s most notable representations have included the following:
- 1988 – Nelson Bunker Hunt
In what is still considered the largest personal bankruptcy proceeding in history, Munsch Hardt served as bankruptcy counsel to Nelson Bunker Hunt, involving more than $2 billion in disputed creditor claims.
- 1996 & 2000 – Excel Communications, Inc.
Munsch Hardt represented Excel Communications, Inc., a United States long-distance provider, in its Initial Public Offering on the NYSE of $170 million and in numerous follow on transactions.
- 1999 – Smartalk Teleservices Inc.
Munsch Hardt represented the Official Unsecured Creditors’ Committee and eventually represented the post-confirmation Liquidating Trustee of SmarTalk Teleservices Inc., a phone card company that was purchased by AT&T in the bankruptcy proceeding.
- 2004 – TRT Holdings, Inc.
Munsch Hardt represented TRT Holdings, Inc., a private holding company, in the purchase of Gold’s Gym International Inc., a global franchise system comprised of hundreds of clubs across the United States and around the world.
- 2007 – W Hotels Worldwide
Munsch Hardt represented the developer of the W Hotel Hollywood and Condominiums, a $600 million mixed-use development on a 4.6 acre tract at the historic intersection of Hollywood & Vine, which ultimately served as a catalyst for redevelopment of Hollywood.
- 2010 – Texas Rangers Baseball
Munsch Hardt represented the Texas Rangers Baseball Partners under its confirmed Plan of Reorganization, and Alan M. Jacobs, in his capacity as the Plan Administrator and Disbursing Agent.
- 2011 – Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas
Munsch Hardt represented the lender through its receivership and ultimately the foreclosure of the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, a five star resort and golf club, all while working through operating issues such as the uninterrupted hosting of the Byron Nelson Golf Tournament.
- 2014 – Gate Guard Services, L.P.
Munsch Hardt represented Gate Guard Services, L.P., an oilfield service provider, in its suit against the Department of Labor as a result of the agency’s wrongful employee misclassification case.
Munsch Hardt represented the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Life Partners Holdings, Inc., filed in the Northern District of Texas. The debtor filed Chapter 11 after entry of a $47 MM judgment in favor of the SEC.
Munsch Hardt represented a publicly traded manufacturing and distribution company in the relocation of its corporate headquarters from California to Texas, where it constructed an approximately 550,000 square foot headquarters and manufacturing/distribution facility costing approximately $100 MM.
Munsch Hardt represented Hall Group, a privately-held real estate developer, and its affiliates, in connection with the creation of Kaleidoscope Park, a new urban public park of approximately 5.5 acres within HALL Park in Frisco, TX.
Munsch Hardt represented Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. in defending an adversary proceeding brought in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas by Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. Brazos sought to avoid approximately $1.9 B it owed for energy charges incurred during Texas’ historic Winter Storm Uri.
- 2024 – Country Club Plaza
Munsch Hardt represented an affiliate of A.G. Hill Partners, LLC in the acquisition of the Country Club Plaza (“The Plaza”), a major 100-year-old real estate project in Kansas City, Missouri, that was the country’s first retail shopping center.
- 2025 – U.S. Occmed (dba Nova Medical Centers)
Munsch Hardt represented U.S. Occmed (dba Nova Medical Centers), the largest provider of occupational medicine services in Texas, in its sale to Concentra (NYSE: CON) in a transaction valued at $260 million.
Additionally, Munsch Hardt and its attorneys have been recognized with numerous awards for excellence in legal services across multiple practice areas, including Chambers USA rankings for seven practices – Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Construction, Corporate/M&A, Healthcare, Immigration, Litigation and Real Estate. The Firm has also received accolades as a “Top Workplace” in all three Texas locations for its commitment to fostering a positive culture and environment for all employees, and, in a recent Texas Lawbook article, Munsch Hardt was named as a regional firm with a “real opportunity to survive and thrive” in 2025.
To commemorate its anniversary milestone, Munsch Hardt has planned a series of celebratory events and initiatives throughout the year, reflecting on its history while looking ahead to continued growth and innovation.
“When we started Munsch Hardt 40 years ago, we couldn’t have imagined the growth and impact we’d achieve across Texas and beyond,” said Richard O. Kopf, a Founding Partner and Real Estate Shareholder at the Firm. “It’s been a privilege to serve our clients and community, and Steve and I are deeply proud of the legacy we’ve built together.”