HOUSTON, Dec. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Andrews Kurth LLP is pleased to announce that experienced Houston securities trial attorney James Edward Maloney has joined the firm as a Partner.

Mr. Maloney joins the litigation section in the firm's Houston office, where he represents businesses and executives in securities litigation, takeover disputes, class action claims and corporate investigations.

"Jim is recognized as one of the top securities trial attorneys in the country," says Thomas W. Taylor, a Partner at Andrews Kurth and co-chair of the firm's litigation section. "We are thrilled that he is joining our team, and he will bring tremendous experience to the firm and our clients."

Mr. Maloney joins the firm from Baker Botts, where he previously served as Chair of the Securities Litigation section and long-time Chair of the Employment Committee. With more than 35 years of courtroom experience, he has represented some of the country's top corporations and business leaders in securities litigation and other business disputes. He also represents clients before the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Trade Commission.

"I am excited to join the litigation team at Andrews Kurth," says Mr. Maloney. "I look forward to accomplishing great things with my new colleagues for years to come."

Mr. Maloney recently was recognized by The Best Lawyers in America as Houston's 2013 "Lawyer of the Year" for securities litigation, and he previously has earned a spot on The National Law Journal's "Defense Hot List," which recognizes the country's top defense counsel. In addition, he has earned a spot on the Texas Super Lawyers listing each year since 2003, and has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America since 2001.

"Jim has long been one of the most respected securities trial attorneys in the country," says Bob Jewell, Managing Partner at Andrews Kurth. "As a firm, and speaking for our clients, we look forward to working with him."

Mr. Maloney earned his law degree from Harvard Law School and his undergraduate degree, cum laude, from Yale University.

About Andrews Kurth LLP

For more than a century, Andrews Kurth has built its practice on the belief that "straight talk is good business." Real answers, clear vision and mutual respect define the firm's relationships with clients, colleagues, communities and employees. With over 400 lawyers and offices in Austin, Beijing, Dallas, Houston, London, New York, Research Triangle Park, The Woodlands and Washington, DC, Andrews Kurth represents a wide array of clients in multiple industries. For more information about Andrews Kurth, please visit andrewskurth.com.

Media Contact: Ashley Nelly, 713.220.4410 (ashleynelly@andrewskurth.com)

SOURCE Andrews Kurth LLP