Detroit law firm Bodman LLP has opened for business in Dallas by affiliating with Strong & Willcox LLP, a Dallas firm.

Two partners at Strong & Willcox have joined Bodman "of counsel" and will work on transactions requiring a presence in Texas. Staci Strong Heuvel and Misty Willcox will also continue working on non-Bodman work at their own firm.

Bodman, a 140-attorney business law firm based in Detroit, is opening shop in Dallas to follow its clients to Texas.

"Establishing a Texas office positions Bodman to handle more of their local legal needs," said Bodman Chairman Ralph E. McDowell.

McDowell didn't name any names, but Comerica Inc. moved from Detroit to Dallas in 2007.

In announcing the Texas expansion, McDowell said Bodman aims to keep its billing rates low.