Bell Nunnally Managing Partner Christopher B. Trowbridge was honored as “Managing Partner of the Year” at Law.com’s annual Texas Legal Awards. The category recognizes leaders of Texas law firms and offices who balance their own legal practices with the day-to-day management and long-term strategic vision of their firms. Trowbridge was selected from a field of 11 finalists representing prominent law firms across Texas, including several of the nation’s largest firms.

Since his election as managing partner in 2019, Trowbridge has worked alongside the firm’s management committee to guide Bell Nunnally through sustained growth while investing in its people, culture, technology and future. In 2026, the firm earned a Dallas Business Journal “Fastest Growing Company” award, made its first appearance on The National Law Journal’s NLJ 500 list of the nation’s largest law firms and expanded its Dallas headquarters by more than 10,000 square feet to approximately 52,000 square feet. The firm has also continued to attract high-caliber entry-, mid- and senior-level attorney talent.

Under Trowbridge’s leadership, Bell Nunnally attorneys filed the first case in the newly created Texas Business Courts and have become recognized leaders in the emerging venue. In 2025, the firm’s M&A practice ranked seventh on The Texas Lawbook’s Top Texas-Led Deals list, highlighted by a $12.25 billion transaction, while its litigation team secured a near-complete dismissal of a $180 million creditor lawsuit.

Throughout his tenure as managing partner, Trowbridge has maintained an active commercial litigation and arbitration practice, allowing him to lead with the perspective of a practicing lawyer while helping shape the firm’s long-term strategic vision. His servant-leadership philosophy extends into the community through organizations including Thanks-Giving Square, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas and PanCAN PurpleStride DFW.

Trowbridge was profiled in a Q&A with Texas Lawyer following his “Managing Partner of the Year” honor, sharing his perspectives on leadership, strategic planning and investing in the firm’s future.

How do you balance the day-to-day operations of your firm with long-term strategic planning?

…Every leadership decision is an investment decision. My role is to deliver exceptional client service today while making investments that will keep Bell Nunnally strong five and 10 years from now….

Our clients value sophisticated legal counsel from lawyers who understand Texas businesses and build lasting relationships. By investing in our people, culture and technology, we ensure Bell Nunnally remains strong, relevant and competitive for decades to come.

How do you guide your team toward reaching its goals?

…Leadership is also a team effort. Our management committee and firm committees help shape strategy, encourage continuous improvement and keep our culture at the center of every decision.

Above all, leadership is a privilege, not a position. My responsibility is to remove obstacles, create opportunities and help others reach their full potential. If I can leave the firm stronger, that’s my ultimate professional legacy.

To read the full Q+A, please click here.