DALLAS--Holland & Knight has hired Kelly Franklin Bagnall as a partner in its Dallas office.

Prior to joining Holland & Knight, Bagnall was a member of Dykema and served as the director of its hospitality and gaming industry group.

“The more I learned about Kelly's expertise, the more I realized what a great fit she would be in Texas and nationally,” Gene Segrest, a real estate partner in Holland & Knight's Dallas office, told GlobeSt.com. “Her work with hotels is pretty unique and, since she is also a litigator, she brings some versatility to our group.”

Established in 2013, the office now has approximately 35 attorneys practicing predominantly in the areas of corporate and commercial finance, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, energy, restructuring and bankruptcy. Holland & Knight's Dallas office formed its real estate practice in March when it hired a five-lawyer real estate and finance team.

Bagnall's practice focuses on all aspects of hospitality industry with a focus on operations. She also handles commercial litigation and general business counseling matters. Bagnall has represented owners and operators of hotels and resorts in a vast array of operational matters, including transactions, dispute resolution, and event contracts. She negotiates a wide variety of supplier/vendor agreements, including online travel agreements and agreements with other sales and marketing intermediaries.

“My move to Holland & Knight represents a new chapter in my professional life as I strive to deliver the best service to my clients,” said Bagnall in a release. “Holland & Knight's geographic reach and resources will undoubtedly enhance the services I can provide, giving my clients access to a deep cross-section of professionals who provide a multitude of services required by hotel owners, managers and flags.”