Our History

Langley & Banack is a full-service law firm serving clients throughout South and Central Texas. Today, with 81 attorneys and almost as many skilled staff, our San Antonio headquarters is complemented by offices in Eagle Pass, Karnes City, Castroville, New Braunfels, Fredericksburg and Kerrville.  For many years, we have stood as the largest full-service local firm in the San Antonio market. 

But what truly distinguishes Langley & Banack is our legacy – a proud history of excellence, integrity, and client-focused service that continues to define who we are and guide everything we do.

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Founded in 1986 by Steve Brook, David Gragg and 2 other attorneys from San Antonio’s largest commercial law firms, Langley & Banack was built on a shared vision of providing sophisticated legal services in a collegial, client-focused environment. In 1996, lawyers from Foster, Lewis, Langley, Gardner & Banack joined the firm, strengthening its depth and broadening its capabilities. In 2000, the firm adopted the name Langley & Banack, Incorporated, in honor of the distinguished Ralph Langley and the highly respected Buddy Banack.

That same year, John W. Petry—formerly of Petry and Petry (founded in 1939) and later Petry and Gonzalez—joined the firm and established our presence in Carrizo Springs. In 2001, the Eagle Pass office was added under the leadership of Heriberto Morales, expanding our reach in South Texas. The Karnes City and Castroville offices opened in 2012 to better serve clients in Karnes, Medina, and surrounding counties. Shareholder Elizabeth Kopecki, a native of Karnes County with deep family roots in the region, leads our Karnes City efforts. The Castroville office is staffed by Lucretia R. Marmor, a lifelong Medina County resident.

In 2016, the firm expanded northward with the opening of our first New Braunfels office, led by Justin Morley. Continued growth in that market led to the addition of several more attorneys along with the prominent David Pfeuffer in 2019. In early 2020, Langley & Banack opened offices in Fredericksburg and Kerrville to better serve our Hill Country clients, both led by Shareholder and Kerr County native Taylor Williams.

Following the passing of John Petry in December 2023, we closed our Carrizo Springs office and consolidated our deep South Texas presence into Eagle Pass. In January 2026, Langley & Banack marked a significant milestone in New Braunfels with the opening of a new 12,000-square-foot office and conference facility on Independence Drive. Concurrently with the firm’s expansion, Reagan Burrus—an established New Braunfels firm that had served as the community’s trusted business counsel for more than 100 years—joined Langley & Banack, further strengthening our full-service capabilities in the Hill Country.

April 9, 2026, marks the 40th anniversary of Langley & Banack, Incorporated. As we celebrate this milestone, we are thrilled to introduce a refreshed logo, a new website, and a streamlined nickname: Langley Banack. What hasn’t changed is our unwavering commitment to our clients, our team, and the communities we proudly serve across South and Central Texas.

1986

Founded by Steve Brook (left), David Gragg (right), and two fellow attorneys from San Antonio’s largest commercial law firms, Langley & Banack was created to deliver sophisticated legal services in a collegial, client-focused environment.

Timeline - 1986

1991

The firm relocates its headquarters from Cypress Tower to the 9th floor of 745 E. Mulberry.

Timeline - 1991

1996

Attorneys and staff from Foster, Lewis, Langley, Gardner & Banack—one of San Antonio’s most prestigious commercial law firms—joined the firm, enhancing its depth and expanding its capabilities. (Left: Ralph Langley, right: Buddy Banack)

Timeline - 1996

2000

The firm adopted the name Langley & Banack, Incorporated, honoring the distinguished Ralph Langley and the highly respected Buddy Banack. That same year, John W. Petry, formerly of Petry and Petry (founded in 1939) joined the firm, establishing its presence in Carrizo Springs.

Timeline - 2000

2001

The Eagle Pass office was established under the leadership of Heriberto Morales, expanding the firm’s presence in South Texas and strengthening its ability to serve clients along the border region.

Timeline - 2001

2001

Under the leadership of Moulton Dowler, Langley & Banack joined Meritas (formerly Commercial Law Affiliates), providing clients with valuable access to a global network of legal resources.

Meritas logo

2006

Langley & Banack unveils its first official logo, representing the firm for the next 20 years.

Timeline - original logo

2009

Ralph Langley Elementary School officially opens in Northside Independent School District in San Antonio. Named in honor of the late Ralph Langley, the school recognizes his significant contributions to school law across the state and his extensive civic service throughout San Antonio. A beautiful mural depicting his many accomplishments greets students each morning as they enter.

Timeline - 2009

2012

The Karnes City and Castroville offices opened to better serve clients in Karnes, Medina, and surrounding counties. Led by Shareholders Elizabeth Kopecki and Lucretia Marmor, respectively, these offices reflect the firm’s commitment to supporting clients beyond San Antonio.

Timeline - 200

2016

The firm expanded northward with the opening of its first New Braunfels office on Bridge Street, led by Justin Morley (cutting ribbon).

Timeline - 2016

2017

Langley & Banack’s headquarters underwent a full transformation, unveiling a new conference center and suite 700 as the main floor.

Timeline - 2017

2019

Ongoing growth in the New Braunfels market brought several new attorneys on board, including longtime local icon David Pfeuffer, further enhancing the firm’s presence and expanding its capabilities in the region. (Seated left David Pfeuffer, standing Valin Woodward, Carrie James, Justin Morley seated)

Timeline - 2019

2020

Langley & Banack expanded its reach by opening offices in Fredericksburg and Kerrville to better serve our Hill Country clients. Both offices are led by Shareholder and Kerr County native Taylor Williams, highlighting the firm’s ongoing commitment to growth and exceptional client service.

Timeline - 2020

2023

Following the passing of John Petry, the Carrizo Springs office was closed, and the firm consolidated its strong South Texas presence in Eagle Pass, continuing to serve the region with focus and dedication.

Timeline - 2023

2026

Attorneys from Reagan Burrus joined Langley & Banack’s New Braunfels office on January 1, 2026, bringing together two respected local legal teams and expanding the firm’s full-service capabilities, all while maintaining a strong commitment to the New Braunfels community.

Timeline - Reagan Burrus

2026

Langley & Banack unveils its new logo, ushering in an exciting new era for the firm. What hasn’t changed is our unwavering commitment to our clients, our team, and the communities we proudly serve across South and Central Texas.

2026

April 9, 2026, marks the firm’s official 40th anniversary. We are excited to celebrate four decades of achievement honoring the past while looking confidently toward the future.