Michael Best is proud to announce that the 28th Land Commissioner for the State of Texas, George P. Bush, has been named the new managing partner of the firm’s Austin office. Bush, who will oversee the office’s operations and strategic planning, succeeds Richard J. Ressler. Ressler will continue to serve as a partner in the firm’s Corporate practice group.
Bush is a native-born Texan and a graduate of Rice University who clerked for U.S. Federal Judge Sidney Fitzwater following graduation from The University of Texas School of Law. A military veteran, he served in the U.S. Naval Reserve as an intelligence officer for 10 years and completed an 8-month tour in Afghanistan.
"I am honored to step into this role and bring my commitment to lead with integrity, advocate for excellence, and uphold our firm's 175-year legacy,” said Bush. “The firm and I are grateful for Richard’s guidance and leadership, and I optimistically look forward to furthering the growth of our Texas presence in the future.”
Widely known throughout the Lone Star State, Bush was elected as the 28th Texas Land Commissioner in 2014 and overwhelmingly re-elected in 2018. During his tenure, Bush built a track record of success, helping tens of thousands of Texans recover from natural disasters, funding Texas public education through the Permanent School Fund, providing benefits to Texas veterans, and helping to preserve the Alamo.
Bush joined Michael Best in 2023 following his second term as Texas Land Commissioner. His legal practice ranges across a variety of areas including transactions in oil and gas, renewables, and commercial real estate; corporate governance and securities law; administrative law, public-private partnerships and economic development. Bush advises private investment funds and operating companies on the implications of federal and state-level policy decisions coupled with market guidance to assist investment and business strategy.
Michael Best’s Austin office opened its doors in 2015 and has 15 members, including attorneys, strategists, and other firm professionals. As the office managing partner, Bush will lead efforts to bolster the firm’s legal and consulting practices throughout Texas.