Dallas law firm Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr PC is ringing in the new year with newly elected leaders at the helm. Taking over as CEO is Phil Appenzeller Jr., a member of the firm’s litigation practice group who most recently served as chief operating officer. Moving into the COO spot is E. Lee Morris, a member of the firm’s restructuring, creditors’ rights, and finance practice group.

Texas-based Munsch Hardt has more than 110 attorneys in Dallas, Houston, and Austin. Its practice groups cover all areas of business litigation, corporate and securities, finance, insolvency, restructuring and creditor’s rights, real estate, healthcare, immigration, and labor and employment.

Appenzeller focuses on large commercial and complex litigation cases. Previous work has involved the Texas Rangers baseball franchise, commercial real estate developers, and telecommunications companies. He received his J.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, where he was administrative editor of the UMKC Law Review. As CEO, Appenzeller will lead development and implementation of the firm’s overall strategic plan.

Morris specializes in complex restructurings, controlled liquidations, asset acquisitions, and bankruptcy and insolvency litigation. He is board-certified in business bankruptcy and serves as a faculty member for trial advocacy programs. Morris received his J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center, where he was editor of the Houston Law Review. As COO, he will focus on personnel, operations, administrative procedures, and technology.

By: Christine Perez