Celebrating Patel Gaines' Remarkable Journey in 2024
As the year draws to a close, we reflect on an incredible 2024 at Patel Gaines. It has been a year filled with professional milestones, client successes, and meaningful contributions to our community. From accolades to new initiatives, these achievements highlight the values that drive us every day: excellence, leadership, and giving back.Here's a look at the highlights that defined our year.
Professional Excellence and Recognitions
This year, our dedication to the highest standards of legal practice was celebrated across the industry. Managing Partner Rahul B. Patel was honored with the prestigious Best Mentor award at the Texas Lawyer Legal Awards byLaw.com. His leadership and dedication to mentorship continue to shape not just our firm, but the legal community as a whole.
Our founding partners were once again named Super Lawyers, a testament to their ongoing excellence and commitment to the legal profession. Adding to this success, one of our rising associate attorneys earned the distinction of Rising Star, underscoring the depth of talent within our firm. We were also proud to see more than five of our attorneys recognized as Best Lawyers in San Antonio by Scene in S.A., a reflection of the exceptional work delivered by our team this year.
As a firm, we take pride not only in our achievements but also in the culture we’ve built. This year, PatelGaines was recognized as the highest-ranked law firm and placed in the Top10 of the San Antonio Business Journal's Best Places to Work. This distinction highlights our dedication to creating a workplace where our team thrives.
Client Success and Industry Leadership
At Patel Gaines, our work speaks for itself. This year, we proudly represented over $16 billion in commercial property across 36 counties, solidifying our position as leaders in commercial property law. But our impact extends far beyond the courtroom.Managing Partner Rahul B. Patel delivered impactful keynote addresses at some of the year’s most influential events, including the largest Property TaxConference in Texas (Texas Association of Property Tax Professionals),where Partner Kathlyn Hufstetler was a standout panelist.
On an international stage, Rahul was invited to kick off the influential Escalaton Summit in Panama, a landmark event highlighting the economic ties and opportunities between North and South America.
Throughout the year, PatelGaines brought together hundreds of business leaders by hosting and participating in dynamic events that fostered growth, insight, and collaboration. Notable among these were our signature networking series, Cocktails& Connections, which provided an opportunity for professionals to build meaningful relationships in a relaxed setting. Additionally, the Power HourPodcast continued to spark insightful conversations and connect leaders across industries. Through our signature events like Cocktails &Connections and our Power Hour Podcast, Patel Gaines has become a hub for innovation and connection, fostering relationships and sparking meaningful conversations across industries.
CommunityImpact and Philanthropy
At Patel Gaines, giving back is at the heart of what we do. This year, we deepened our community involvement with the launch of PGCares, our firm-wide initiative dedicated to creating meaningful change.
In a spirit of teamwork and service, our San Antonio office volunteered at the Food Bank’s Haven for Hope Kitchen, preparing over 1,700 sandwiches and feeding more than 100 people in a single day. These experiences remind us of the profound impact that a small act of service can have on others.
We were also honored to support and participate in charitable initiatives throughout the year, including raising significant funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, led in part by our CFO Taylor Gaines. We also joined the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer PINK Walk. From supporting SNIPSA and The Wounded Warriors to contributing to institutions like St. Mary’s Law School and The SanAntonio Zoo, we remain committed to organizations that make a difference.
One of the standout moments of the year was our Client Dove Hunt—a special day that brought together our valued clients for camaraderie, connection, and shared experiences in the great outdoors. Events like this remind us of the importance of building relationships beyond business.
We were also proud to sponsor Professional Boxer Ethan Perez, son of our Director of Appeals, CandyPerez. Ethan’s hard work and determination reflect the values we admire—dedication, grit, and the relentless pursuit of success. With an undefeated record of 4-0, Ethan’s achievements continue to inspire us all.
Another highlight was our Cookout Cornhole Tournament, a celebration of good food, friendly competition, and community. We were fortunate to feature food by Grillholics, led by our very own Maria Perez’s father, fresh off their 6th place win at a world tournament cookout. This event not only showcased culinary excellence but also brought our team and community closer together.
EmpoweringFuture Leaders
Investing in the next generation of leaders has always been a core value at Patel Gaines. This year, we proudly named Kathlyn Hufstetler as our first female partner. A graduate of St. Mary’s Law School, Kathlyn embodies the qualities of leadership, dedication, and excellence that define our firm.
We also continued our support for future leaders through initiatives like the SuitUp Station at St. Mary’s Law School, which provides professional attire for aspiring law students. Additionally, our sponsorship of the Patel Family Faculty Lounge at the Eleanor Kolitz Hebrew Language Academy and hosting of our Annual Clerkship Meet & Greet offered opportunities for mentorship, networking, and growth.
Our commitment to health, fitness, and team building also took center stage this year. Patel Gaines partnered with F45 Training to offer discounted memberships to our team and introduced free monthly firm workouts. These workouts became a cornerstone for fostering team bonding, promoting shared goals, and supporting wellness within the firm. By prioritizing health and camaraderie, Patel Gaines continues to strengthen its culture of collaboration and care.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we celebrate these accomplishments, we are reminded of the incredible people and partnerships that made them possible. Patel Gaines remains committed to pushing boundaries, fostering innovation, and making a difference in the community. Thank you to our team, clients, and supporters for being part of this journey. Here's to achieving even greater heights in 2025!
