Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, now known by the moniker Waller, has opened its first Texas office in Austin and has garnered the services of Elizabeth Rogers (pictured), a prominent Texas health care lawyer, to lead it.

"Waller has been exploring the fast-growing Texas healthcare market for some time and we found an opportunity in Austin — one of the most thriving cities in America — that dovetails perfectly with our firm's strengths," said John Tishler, chairman of Waller in a presser released today. Tishler said that health care will be the primary focus of the Austin office.

Since 1997, Rogers had worked for the Austin offices of the global Vinson & Elkins law firm — which has some 700 attorneys on its roster — before joining Waller’s ranks this month. Her experience includes representing hospitals, physicians, health plans, insurance carriers, pharmacies, drug manufacturers and employers in a range of health care issues. Rogers currently serves as chair-elect of the Health Law Council of the State Bar of Texas. She earned her B.A. with high honors and J.D. with honors from the University of Texas.

Other people based out of the new Waller location include Tony Pletcher, who is chief strategy officer; associate Drew Rogers and health care policy analyst Amy Herzog.