Phelps Dunbar Adds Tech Pro in Houston from Bracewell

Law360 Pulse published this article on Feb. 18, 2026. 

Phelps Dunbar LLP has strengthened its corporate bench with a technology-focused partner in Houston who came aboard from Bracewell LLP.

Jeffrey B. Andrews structures and negotiates contracts for goods and services, particularly within the technology sector, Phelps Dunbar said Monday in a statement. Andrews advises clients on cloud offerings, data center contracts for colocation and hosting services, license agreements for software and artificial intelligence tools, information technology outsourcing and more, the firm said.

Andrews told Law360 Pulse in an interview Wednesday that he was looking for a firm that had "a broader-based practice range because I thought that would really help my clients."

"What specifically attracted me to Phelps was not only that broader range of practices but their offices across the Southeastern United States, which is one of the fastest growing areas in the country right now," Andrews said. "On top of that, I was really drawn by the people."

Andrews said his new colleagues are "collegial and the culture is just very collaborative and open and friendly."

"I represent primarily customers, preparing and negotiating contracts for procuring technology goods and services," Andrews said. "Everything from your basic nondisclosure agreement to multibillion-dollar outsourcing deals. It's the full spectrum of tech transactions. I also have worked with clients on their general sourcing transactions, procuring everything from steel to major multimillion-dollar pieces of equipment."

Artificial intelligence has added another layer to his work, Andrews said, noting clients' concerns about the use of confidential or proprietary information in a tool that could jeopardize private data or trade secrets.

"Another concern is about what comes out of these AI tools to the extent that they can be relied on or whether software code that is being developed by AI tools infringes on a third party's intellectual property rights," Andrews said. "Folks are taking various approaches. Some are eagerly implementing and employing artificial intelligence tools in their businesses whereas others are taking a more conservative approach, waiting to learn from the mistakes that others have made and knowing what to fix before they encounter those same problems."

Andrews counsels clients on data privacy issues, helping them create custom solutions for protecting information in compliance with domestic and international laws, the firm said. He brings decades of experience advising companies in a broad range of industries, including agriculture, commercial airline, communications, energy and energy services, financial services, life sciences, healthcare, manufacturing and utilities.

Marshall Redmon, managing partner of Phelps Dunbar, said in a statement, "Jeff is one of a handful of lawyers in the country who counsels companies on complex IT and business process outsourcing and technology transactions.

"His unique skill set will serve clients across our footprint as they engage in these critical and ever-expanding arrangements," Redmon said.

Andrews practiced at Bracewell for 13 years before departing for Phelps Dunbar, his LinkedIn profile shows. He has also practiced with Thompson & Knight LLP and Mayer Brown LLP.

Andrews earned his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law and holds a bachelor's degree from Trinity University.

Phelps Dunbar operates from locations across the U.S. and in London. In Texas, the firm has offices in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston.