National Law Journal: Dallas’ Brash Young Upstarts

January 21, 1990 - The National Law Journal profiled Bickel & Brewer, the fast-growing Dallas litigation boutique founded in 1983 by William A. Brewer III and John W. Bickel II. Known for high associate pay, aggressive tactics, and rapid growth to 41 lawyers, the firm has drawn both blue-chip clients and sharp criticism from Dallas’ legal establishment, earning the nickname “the Rambo firm.” Opponents cite hardball deposition practices and sanctions, while the founders defend their approach as necessary to push cases to trial and resolve disputes quickly. The firm recently expanded to Chicago and is preparing for trial in a multimillion-dollar breach of contract and patent dispute between Motorola and Hitachi in federal court in Austin.

"We introduced a style of litigation to Dallas that was needed by the business community," says Mr. [Bill] Brewer. "They need to know that a lawyer is going to push their case hard and push it to trial. That’s ruffled some feathers. It’s vastly different from the way they are used to practicing around here."