Moments, Milestones, & Meaning: 35 Years of BoyarMiller

Thirty-five years ago, Houston attorneys Bill Boyar and Gary Miller were re-introduced through a mutual friend. That meeting laid the foundation for BoyarMiller. What followed is a legacy of trusted counsel, client-focused solutions, and a firm built around values that still guide it today.

To mark this milestone, here are 35 moments, lessons, and guiding principles from the BoyarMiller story. These 35 highlights capture a firm that remains anchored by purpose, strengthened by its people, and energized for the future.

Building the Foundation

1. In 1990, Houston lawyers Bill Boyar and Gary Miller reconnect and form a firm together.
   
   
2. The firm begins with two core practices: litigation and bankruptcy, and transactions (that included real estate, M&A, corporate, and finance).
   
   
3. In 2001, a strategic choice is made to exit the bankruptcy space to sharpen focus.
   
   
4. Attorneys are positioned as generalists, ready to act as outside general counsel.
   
   
5. The founders set the tone early–growth has never been measured by headcount, but by client impact. The firm and attorneys focus on the value they contribute to clients and each other–and that’s been a key firm differentiator.
   
   
6. The firm operates more like a business than a law firm. The ethos is: BoyarMiller is a business that happens to be in the practice of the law.
   
   
7. Leadership succession and remaining independently owned become non-negotiable pillars of the firm’s long-term strategy.
   
   
8. The firm regularly hosts Forum events, bringing in local and industry thought leaders to share the latest on regional business and trends. The first forum was held in 2003.
   
   
9. In 2006, a 10-year plan set priorities for succession, space, and practice focus. The offsite where the plan was hatched marks a turning point.
   
   
10. In 2016, the firm relocates to Kirby Grove with intention. A thoughtfully designed space with same-sized offices, communal areas, and surrounding greenspace reflects the firm’s values.
    
    
11. In 2019, BoyarMiller launches a Probate Litigation practice which earned its recognition in Chambers High Net Worth 2024-2025.
    
    
12. In 2022, the Business Group split into two practice groups, Real Estate and Corporate M&A.
    
    
13. BoyarMiller competes with the biggest firms without becoming one. That’s by design.

Prioritizing Culture, Clients, and Community

14. As early as 1991, culture takes center stage–a rarity at the time. Bill leads a firm-wide commitment to define the firm’s core values, nearly all of which still stand.
    
    
15. A values-based culture becomes the foundation of BoyarMiller’s growth and identity.
    
    
16. The mission remains unchanged since 2005: provide counsel beyond expectations, build lasting relationships, and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
    
    
17. Staying culture-driven isn’t always easy, but it’s essential to who the firm hires and how it operates.
    
    
18. The move to the new office in 2016 not only supports attorneys and attracts talent, it welcomes the community with space for events and industry groups.
    
    
19. Serving the community is important. Both founders and current Firm Chairman model service: Bill with End Hunger Network, Search Homeless Services, Houston Food Bank and KIPP Texas Schools; Gary with Camp for All; and Chris with Search Homeless Services and Coalition for the Homeless.
    
    
20. Attorneys are encouraged to lead in the community–many serve on nonprofit boards and industry organizations, with firm support.
    
    
21. In 2022, inspired by a goal to create equitable access to quality legal services, BoyarMiller developed LABB (Legal Assistance for Black-Owned Business) to provide legal guidance for black-owned businesses while contributing in a meaningful way to the community.
    
    
22. Since its founding, BoyarMiller has built lasting relationships with clients who have grown alongside the firm. From helping businesses expand across the country to guiding them through transformative milestones these enduring partnerships reflect the trust and impact at the heart of BoyarMiller’s work.
    
    

A Firm That Stands by Its People

23. Firm leadership emphasizes people over profits. Says Bill Boyar, “You build a strong foundation by investing in people, not chasing size.”
    
    
24. Bill serves as Chairman for 20 years, before stepping down to make room for the next generation.
    
    
25. In 2011 after a two-year stint as Vice Chairman under then Chairman Bill Boyar, Chris Hanslik steps into the role of Firm Chairman.
    
    
26. Loyalty runs deep: Legal Assistant Sharon Galloway has been with BoyarMiller since its founding, and has worked with Bill Boyar since 1978.
    
    
27. Long tenure from shareholders and staff – Sharon Galloway (35 years), Lee Collins (25 years), Steve Kesten (24 years), Chris Hanslik (20), Jimmie Johnson (21 years), Matt Veech (20 years), Gus Bourgeois, III (19 years), Dora Gaona-Gonzalez (18 years), Andrew Pearce (18 years), Blake Royal (18 years), and Courtney Outland (17 years)  reflect the firm’s continuity and commitment.

Earning Recognition

28. By 2025, all three practice areas are ranked by Chambers and Partners–a rare and meaningful honor.
    
    
29. Other honors include BestLawyers, SuperLawyers, ACG Deal of the Year, HBJ Best Places To Work, US News: Best Law Firms, Houston Chronicle Top Workplaces, and marketing awards from the Legal Marketing Association, Stevie Awards, and American Marketing Association.

Embracing Innovation

30. From fax machines to iPhones, BoyarMiller has embraced purposeful innovation—adopting laptops in 1991 and continuing to invest in technology that enhances client service. In 2024, the firm implemented an AI policy to ensure responsible use of emerging tools. As a mid-sized firm, BoyarMiller remains on the cusp with leading edge technology, offering associates and clients the benefits of top-tier tech typically found at larger firms.
    
    
31. The firm’s first website launched in 2000 and has been through several iterations, the latest in 2023.
    
    
32. The firm balances innovation with its people-first approach. Recognizing the changing workplace, the firm has provided to each employee greater opportunity for flexibility in performing their job.
    
    
33. Marketing and brand strategy have been driven by a bold, forward-thinking partner focused on thought leadership, reputation management, and keeping the firm’s presence sharp. From regular brand refreshes to smart digital initiatives, the firm stays relevant, visible, and ahead of the curve.
    
    
34. BoyarMiller celebrates strong and talented women professionals and fosters their success and influence with the creation of 5 to 9: A Women’s Initiative in 2018. The mission is to proactively develop and implement initiatives to attract and retain women professionals within the firm, and to empower and promote exceptional women professionals in the business community.
    
    
35. In 2021, the Building Texas Business podcast is launched, spotlighting the state’s most interesting leaders and hosted by Chairman Chris Hanslik.

Conclusion

As BoyarMiller celebrates 35 years, the firm’s legacy isn’t just in the milestones, it’s in the meaning behind them. A commitment to clients, culture, innovation, and community has shaped who we are and how we serve. And while the legal landscape continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: our dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those with whom we work with.

With a strong foundation and a clear vision, BoyarMiller is poised for continued growth, guided by values, fueled by people, and focused on impact. As we look to the next chapter, we remain anchored in the belief that the best is still ahead.

“At BoyarMiller, our story has always been about more than legal work—it’s about people, purpose, and impact. As we celebrate 35 years, I’m proud of the legacy we’ve built and even more excited for the future we’re creating together.” – Chris Hanslik, Chairman

The future isn’t just something we’re heading toward, it’s something we’re building every day. And we’re just getting started.