DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--It is with great pleasure Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C. (“Munsch Hardt”) announces it has elected E. David Coligado to be the Firm’s next Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), effective January 1, 2025. Coligado joined Munsch Hardt as an associate in May 2000, and has consistently shouldered increasing responsibilities and leadership roles within the Firm, most recently serving as Real Estate Section Head, a member of the Firm’s Operations Committee and a member of the Firm’s Opinion Letter Committee.
Coligado will succeed current CEO, Phil Appenzeller, who plans to return to private practice after serving as CEO for the past 10 years. Throughout the transition period, Coligado and Appenzeller will work closely with the current leadership team to gain insight into all operational aspects of the Firm.
“Throughout his career, Dave has demonstrated his aptitude to be a thoughtful leader with a strong business acumen, great listener with clear communication skills and the ability to develop and support attorneys and business professionals at all levels,” said Appenzeller. “With the transition process well underway, the Firm’s Board of Directors, stockholders and I continue to have confidence in Dave’s ability to bring new, innovative ideas to the table that will further solidify Munsch Hardt’s position as a leading, Texas-based commercial law firm.”
As chief executive, Coligado will oversee the performance, profitability and financial aspects of the Firm, as well as lead strategic initiatives stemming from the Firm’s management and administrative departments. Currently he is making it a priority to meet with nearly all of the Firm’s 270+ attorneys and business professionals. Munsch Hardt’s tightknit culture has always made the Firm a great place to work, and Coligado wants everyone to have a voice when it comes to updating the Firm’s three-year strategic plan early next year.
As he prepares to take on this new role, Coligado does not foresee making any significant changes to the Firm’s trajectory. First and foremost, he is focused on building relationships with top Firm clients, ensuring all clients continue to receive quality service. Strategic and organic growth are also at the top of his priority list – growth in practice areas with increased demand, as well as expanding the Firm’s footprint in other Texas markets.
“Munsch Hardt is preparing to celebrate its 40th Anniversary next year, and it is a distinct honor to be elected to serve as the Firm’s incoming CEO during this next chapter,” stated Coligado. “I also want to commend my friend and mentor, Phil Appenzeller, for his incredible leadership. It is due to his vision, tenacity and commitment to Munsch Hardt, that we continue to experience positive growth in every aspect of the Firm.”
Coligado will continue to maintain an active real estate practice even after assuming the CEO role. In this capacity he represents sophisticated owners, developers and investors of various commercial real estate assets. He assists his clients through all phases of real estate ownership including acquisition, financing (construction and permanent), leasing, development and construction, formation of joint ventures and dispositions.
Coligado earned his juris doctor degree from The University of Texas School of Law and his bachelor’s degree from Trinity University.
In conjunction with Coligado’s election, the Firm is pleased to announce the appointment of William D. Themer as Munsch Hardt’s new Real Estate Section Head, effective September 1, 2024. In this role, Themer will also serve as a member of the Firm’s Operations Committee while focusing on client service and development, work flow and project management, as well as recruitment, retention and training of the Firm’s real estate attorneys.
Real Estate has been a cornerstone of Munsch Hardt since it was established in 1985. Since then, the Firm has grown the Chambers-ranked practice to be one of the strongest real estate practices in the southwest. With more than 40 real estate attorneys who focus exclusively on commercial property matters, the practice is known for representing sophisticated clients in acquisitions, dispositions, developments, financings, construction, leasing, zoning and workouts.
“Having been with the Firm for nearly 20 years, Will has built a significant real estate practice while simultaneously demonstrating his natural leadership and mentorship abilities,” stated Coligado. “Munsch Hardt is fortunate to represent some of the biggest, most active players in the real estate industry. We often like to say if you see a crane in Texas, one of our attorneys has likely touched the project in some capacity. I am excited to pass the torch to Will, as he has the ability and energy to further develop and expand our position across the country.”
Themer's practice incorporates all aspects of real estate development, including the acquisition of raw and previously developed land, financing and construction of new improvements and leasing and property management of the completed projects. He also helps clients with the acquisition and disposition of current real estate projects including assistance during contract negotiations, title, zoning and other due diligence, financing and closing and post-closing aspects of the transaction.
Themer earned his juris doctor degree from Southern Methodist University and his bachelor of business administration degree from The University of North Texas. His professional involvement includes serving as a Founding Member and Vice President of the Clay Jones Legacy Foundation, Advisory Board Member of The University of North Texas Real Estate Alumni Association and an active member of The Real Estate Council.
“I’m eager for our new leadership to bring fresh and creative perspectives to the Firm,” said Appenzeller. “While serving as Munsch Hardt’s CEO has undoubtedly been the greatest professional accomplishment of my career, I strongly believe the infusion of new energy into our leadership ranks reinforces our commitment to being one of the strongest middle-market, Texas-based commercial law firms.”
About Munsch Hardt
Munsch Hardt is a Texas-based, mid-sized commercial law firm with more than 160 attorneys who represent commercial clients on any legal issue they face during the life cycle of their business – from start-up ventures to established institutions with legal needs across Texas and around the globe. With offices in Austin, Dallas and Houston, Texas, the Firm’s primary practice groups include Bankruptcy + Restructuring; Construction; Energy; Environmental; Finance; Health Care; Hospitality; Immigration; Insurance; Intellectual Property; Labor + Employment; Litigation; Mergers & Acquisitions; Real Estate; and Tax. Munsch Hardt and its attorneys have earned accolades for their work and reputations, such as in the Chambers USA directory and the Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms" listing and has been named among the “Top Work Places” by the Austin Business Journal, The Dallas Morning News and The Houston Chronicle. For more information about the Firm and its services, visit www.munsch.com.
