Pearce Shambach team will lead Bressler's complex corporate transactions, venture capital, emerging technologies, and fund formation practice based in Austin.
AUSTIN, Texas (January 22, 2025) – The national business law firm Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C. has announced the expansion of its Austin office with the addition of a six-member team led by Joshua Pearce and Christie Shambach. Bressler has absorbed the Austin-based boutique law firm Pearce Shambach, thereby enhancing its corporate and commercial transaction expertise with new skills and a broader range of experience.
The team, which consists of 2 principals, 2 associates, and 2 support staff, specializes in structuring family offices, private equity funds, and venture capital initiatives. They represent business clients in various areas such as corporate transactions, emerging technology, and venture capital. The group’s unique expertise will complement Bressler’s existing client base, which includes securities, financial institutions, and high-net-worth trust and estate services.
"Texas is at the forefront of business innovation and investment, and Austin itself is home to many savvy investors and entrepreneurs," said Ronak Patel, Bressler Principal who leads the firm's efforts in Austin. "Our capability to guide clients through complex corporate and regulatory issues — while being cost-effective — is unmatched. Josh and Christie's team brings extensive experience advising fund sponsors on fund formation and family office practices tailored for high-net-worth clients. They also have a deep understanding of the needs and priorities of business owners. I am thrilled to welcome them to Bressler."
This expansion highlights Bressler's commitment to its long-term strategic plan to strengthen its presence in Florida, Alabama, and Texas in response to the growing demand for legal services in these key markets. This move will allow the firm to better serve clients with significant business operations in the region. Furthermore, the expansion will enhance the firm’s expertise in financial institutions, private client services, and complex corporate matters.
"The opportunity to join Bressler and its multidisciplinary team is an excellent growth platform for our practice," said Pearce. "I have long admired Bressler's strong reputation. With its local presence and increasing client demand, joining their platform is a perfect fit. We look forward to contributing to Bressler's legacy of exceptional service and innovative solutions."
The Pearce Shambach team is recognized for its strong commitment to clients, a solution-focused approach to legal advice, concierge-level service, and an outstanding reputation in the Austin business and startup community. The new attorney additions consist of:
Joshua Pearce has joined the firm as a principal in the Corporate & Commercial Transactions practice. His expertise spans corporate law, securities, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), family office structuring, trust and estate planning, intellectual property, and private investment fund structuring. Additionally, he leverages his experience as a former General Counsel of a family office and investment holdings company with multiple subsidiaries, and as a former investment advisor and asset manager to offer clients comprehensive business counseling. Pearce has represented diverse clients in notable corporate and intellectual property matters, including international tech companies, emerging fund managers, real estate development, and a wide variety of IP and traditional operating businesses. Additionally, he assists clients in navigating regulatory and transactional challenges within the investment management sector. Pearce is licensed to practice law in Virginia and Texas. He earned his J.D. from Liberty University School of Law and a B.S. in Business Finance from Liberty University.
Christie Shambach has joined the firm as a principal, where she concentrates her practice on investment and fund formation. For over a decade, Shambach has represented private businesses, owners, lenders, and investors in corporate structuring, business transactions, leasing, financing, and mergers and acquisitions. She is experienced in navigating federal and state regulations affecting capital markets, including the Securities Act and Investment Advisers Act. Shambach advises companies on raising capital, including cap table modeling and the fundraising process, and also represents angel investors, special purpose vehicles (SPVs), and investment funds in formation, capital deployment, and regulatory issues. Shambach is licensed to practice law in Texas, Virginia, and Maryland. She earned her J.D. from Regent University School of Law, Magna Cum Laude, where she was the managing editor of the law review, and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Messiah University.
Ethan Byers is an associate specializing in corporate law, with a focus on businesses, lenders, and investors. He has more than five years of experience practicing law with experience in corporate law, securities, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), leasing, financing, family office structuring, labor and executive compensation, intellectual property, and outside general counsel matters. Byers is licensed to practice law in Oregon and Virginia, with his Texas license pending. He earned his J.D. from Regent University School of Law and his B.B.A. from Concordia University in Portland.
Mikaela Hoover is an associate concentrating her practice in estate planning, tax strategy, and business succession for high-net-worth individuals and families. She advises on complex tax matters, including income, gift, and estate taxes, and optimizes tax structures for long-term efficiency. Previously, she worked as a tax consultant at a top professional services firm, advising clients in private equity and blockchain on cross-border mergers and acquisitions and preparing various tax documents. Hoover earned her J.D. from Liberty University School of Law and a B.S. in Criminal Justice, graduating magna cum laude from Liberty University. She also holds an LL.M. in Taxation with a focus on Estate Planning from the University of Florida, Levin College of Law. She is licensed to practice law in North Carolina and is pending licensure in Texas and Florida.