s p e c i a l E d i t i o n : TE X AS W o m e n L a w y e r s
2014 edition
cover story
Former Judge Marilea Lewis: A Proven Leader With 24 Years on the Bench, Godwin Lewis’ New Name Partner Was an Easy Choice page 13
Debbie Dudley Branson: Practicing The Value of Good Works For Noted Trial Lawyer, Leaving Comfort Zone Brings Rewards
Who are the 2014 Lawyers of the Year? page 8
page 11
a special advertising supplement TO THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS, THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE, THE AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN and THE SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS
Special Advertising Section
DEBBIE DUDLEY BRANSON LITIGATION Lady. Lawyer. Leader. A graduate degree in psychology, coupled with substantial trial experience, brings a sharp analytic focus to Debbie Dudley Branson’s intuitive skills in the courtroom. She is an important member of the trial team at The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson, one of the leading trial litigation firms in the Southwest.
Outside her busy practice, Branson holds leadership roles in professional trial lawyer associations and maintains active positions with philanthropic and political organizations. A fourth-generation lawyer in practice for more than 30 years, Debbie Dudley Branson continues to take pride in being a lawyer.
HIGHLAND PARK PLACE, SUITE 1800 | 4514 COLE AVENUE, DALLAS, TX 75205 | (214) 522 0200 | FLBRANSON.COM
Special Advertising Section Special Advertising Section
2014 | TEX AS WOMEN
30
Y E A R S
It’s inevitable—at some point in your life, you’re going to need a lawyer, and you
directory has been culled. The 2014 edition includes 50,834 attorneys in 134 practice areas, covering all 50 states and the District of won’t always be able to forecast when that need Columbia, and inclusion is based on more than will arise. Finding an advocate in whom you can 4.9 million detailed evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers. place your trust—particularly during times of A lot has changed in the last three decades. strain or duress—can be a particularly daunting We now have myriad tools at our disposal, but task. For most of us, the choice must be made quickly and decisively, and large sums of money has it gotten any easier to find a lawyer? No one is allowed to buy his or her way into Best are potentially on the line. As when choosing Lawyers, so when you search for representation a doctor, we place an immense amount of responsibility in the counsel we hire to represent here, you are certain to find only the most highly regarded advocates in their chosen field. us. In our search for the highest quality Lawyers must be re-nominated every year, thus advocate, we expect to be treated fairly, for our ensuring that those listed are still considered grievances to be heard, and for our lawyers to the most esteemed in the profession. As a result, take on our case as if it were their own. we congratulate those lawyers who have earned Best Lawyers is proud to be the oldest a place in this year’s guide and offer special legal peer-review organization in the recognition of those who have been honored United States. Since 1983, lawyers have been for 30 years by highlighting their names in red nominating and voting on their colleagues, culminating in what is currently the 20th edition throughout this publication. This year, we are proud to bring you our of The Best Lawyers in America, from which this
inaugural special edition of Texas Women Best Lawyers. For the first time, we are highlighting the outstanding achievements of the over 500 women lawyers who comprise 16% of the total listed Best Lawyers in the Lone Star State. To make your search more useful, we have categorized the list by practice area as well as metropolitan zone—thus eliminating the guesswork as to where a lawyer may be located. Our aim is to quickly connect you to the Best Lawyer that best suits your needs. While you may always search on our comprehensive website, BestLawyers.com, we hope you will keep this publication on hand as a trusted resource and future guide.
Meredith Hinshaw Custom Publications Manager
Methodology Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer-review. The methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.
Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer-review survey is directly related to the quality of its voting pool.
NOMINATION
BALLOTING
VOTING
INCLUSION
ANNOUNCEMENT
Nominations are open to anyone. Our primary sources for nominations: clients, other lawyers & marketing teams.
Ballots are generated and distributed to listed lawyers. They are designed based on the voter’s practice area(s) and geographic region.
Best Lawyers asks voters the question: “If you were unable to take a case yourself, how likely would you be to refer it to this nominee?” Nominees are given a 1 -5 rating, with room to leave additional comments.
The Best Lawyers editorial staff reviews the votes and comments. Selected lawyers are checked against state bar association sanction lists to make sure they are in good standing with the ethics committee of their state bar.
Listed lawyers are notified of inclusion and the list is released to the public.
To submit nominations, please visit www.BestLawyers.com/ About/Nominations or email nominations@bestlawyers.com. For additional information concerning nominations, please contact us at info@bestlawyers.com.
Content of this publication is provided by advertisers and does not reflect the opinions or reporting of The Dallas Morning News staff.
www.bestlawyers.com | 3
Special Advertising Section
MARILEA LEWIS A portrait of excellence.
D
ays start early and run late for the only woman to have her name on the door of a Top 25 law firm in the state of Texas. Godwin Lewis PC is a trial and appellate firm with offices in Dallas, Houston and Plano. The firm represents Fortune 500 and middle-market industry leaders in Mission Critical Litigation® throughout the United States and prides itself in promoting gender diversity and overall opportunity for its attorneys.
and law school education. Shortly after law school, Marilea began a 25 year career journey which included serving multiple terms on the bench as both an Associate and District Family Law Judge. Her insight, strength and passion for fairness and the rights of children has helped establish her reputation as a leader in the field of Family Law.
“Family Law is an area that touches all of our lives. It gives me a chance to seek the best outcome for my clients and their children.”
Truly a unique woman who has accomplished much… Marilea Lewis is just getting started!
At first glance, Marilea Lewis is the epitome of grace and mild-mannered temperament with little evidence of the powerhouse Family Law attorney and former judge so many have come to know and respect. Her extensive credentials include being Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a Mediator in General and Family Practice and inclusion on the list of The Best Lawyers in America for 2013. As a fifth-generation Texan she takes pride in her roots and chose Baylor for both her undergraduate
Marilea Lewis Donald E. Godwin
*Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Dallas | Houston | Plano
GodwinLewis.com
- Marilea Lewis* -
Shareholder; Executive Vice President, Executive Committee; Chair, Family Law Section
mission critical litigation速
Special Advertising Section
2014 EDITION
s p e c i a l E d i t i o n : TE X AS W o m e n L a w y e r s
3 8 11 13
Introduction & Methodology Texas Women Lawyers of the Year Debbie Dudley Branson: Practicing Value of Good Works For Noted Trial Lawyer, Leaving Comfort Zone Brings Rewards
Former Judge Marilea Lewis: A Proven Leader
With 24 Years on the Bench, Godwin Lewis’ New Name Partner Was an Easy Choice
Best Lawyers Headquarters 803.648.0300 237 Park Avenue, SW, First Floor Aiken, SC 29801 Best Lawyers New York Office 718.509.6095 45 Main Street, Suite 820 Brooklyn, NY 11201
Chairman: Gregory White Smith President: Steven Naifeh Chief Operating Officer: Phillip Greer Director of Sales: Brad Silberberg Legal Media Specialist: Kelly Brown Managing Editor and Director of Research & Development: Elizabeth Petit Creative Design and Direction: William LoCasto
Custom Publications Manager: Meredith Hinshaw Assistant Production Manager: Milagros Pelaez Production Coordinator: Sam Mitchell Photography: Jill Hunter, Jesse Hornbuckle, Chris Hundt, Dan Sellars Profile Writer: Sean Stonefield Articles Writer: Sean Stonefield Copy Editor: Christine LaRubio
Woodward/White Inc. has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant or represent that the information contained herein is complete or accurate. Woodward/ White Inc. (and its affiliates, employees, officers, directors or agents) does not assume, and hereby expressly disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause. This magazine includes paid attorney advertising. Consumers should contact the state bar for verification and additional information prior to securing the legal services of any attorney, and nothing herein should be construed as the provision of legal advice. For more information, see www.bestlawyers.com. The 2013 edition of The Best Lawyers in America is available from the publisher. For information call 803-648-0300; write 237 Park Avenue, SW. First Floor, Aiken, SC 29801; email info@bestlawyers.com; or visit www. bestlawyers.com. “The Best Lawyers in America” and “Best Lawyers” are registered trademarks of Woodward/White, Inc.
6 | TEXAS WOMEN LAWYERS
LISTED BY PRACTICE AREA
7 Administrative / Regulatory Law
Alternative Dispute Resolution Antitrust Law Appellate Practice Banking & Finance Law 8 Bankruptcy & Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency & Reorganization Law Bet-the-Company Litigation Biotechnology Law Collaborative Law: Civil Collaborative Law: Family Law Commercial Litigation 10 Construction Law Corporate Governance & Compliance Law Corporate Law Criminal Defense: Non-White-Collar Criminal Defense: White-Collar Derivatives & Futures Law Education Law Elder Law Eminent Domain & Condemnation Law Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law 12 Energy Law Entertainment Law Environmental Law Family Law Family Law Mediation First Amendment Law Franchise Law Government Relations Practice Health Care Law 14 Immigration Law Insurance Law Intellectual Property Law International Arbitration International Trade & Finance Law Labor & Employment Law Land Use & Zoning Law Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions Medical Malpractice Law Mergers & Acquisitions Law Municipal Law Natural Resources Law Oil & Gas Law Personal Injury Litigation 15 Product Liability Litigation Project Finance Law Public Finance Law Real Estate Law Securities / Capital Markets Law Securities Regulation Tax Law Technology Law Transportation Law Trusts and Estates Water Law
Special Advertising Section
s p e c i a l E d i t i o n : TE X AS W o m e n L a w y e r s Administrative / Regulatory Law Austin Baker Botts Molly J. Cagle
Duggins Wren Mann & Romero Celina Romero
Graves, Dougherty, Hearon & Moody Helen Currie Foster, Nancy R. Hudson, Mary A. Keeney
Husch Blackwell Marianne Carroll
Kemp Smith
Deborah Clarke Trejo
Smith Trostle & Huerta J. Kay Trostle
El Paso ScottHulse
Rosemary Morales Marin
Alternative Dispute Resolution A Arbitration; M Mediation
Godwin Lewis Marilea Lewis (M) 214.939.4400 | page 4 JAMS
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher
Law Office of Susan Hays
Baker Botts
Haynes and Boone
Norton Rose Fulbright
DLA Piper
Haynes and Boone
Law Offices of Sherrie R. AbneY
Jackson Walker
Pamela Stanton Baron Scott, Douglass & McConnico
Hogan & Hogan
Cecilia H. Morgan (M) Sherrie R. Abney (M)
The Law Offices of Kay Elkins Elliot Kay Elkins Elliott (A, M)
VernerBrumley
Janet P. Brumley (M)
Xerox Business Services Priscilla Kim Park (A, M)
Houston Alice Oliver-Parrott Alice Oliver-Parrott (M)
Lubbock Susan Z. Wright Susan Z. Wright (M)
Antitrust Law * Litigation Only ** Litigation & Practice area
Gilbert Mediation Group
Dallas Andrews Kurth
Courtenay L. Bass (M)
Kathleen M. Beasley**, Stacy L. Brainin* Kathleen M. LaValle*
Susman Godfrey Ophelia F. Camiña*
Houston DLA Piper
Claudia Wilson Frost*
Jones Walker
Lauren J. Harrison*
McDermott Will & Emery Alison L. Smith**
Norton Rose Fulbright Anne M. Rodgers
San Antonio Barbara Ann Radnofsky Barbara Ann Radnofsky (A, M) Strasburger & Price Judith R. Blakeway** 713.858.8509 | page 12
Dallas Burdin Mediations
Mary M. Burdin (M), Suzanne Duvall (M)
Veronica S. Lewis*
Appellate Practice Austin Alexander Dubose & Townsend
Dana Livingston, Susan Vance, Amy Warr
Gordon & Rees Leslie A. Benitez
Kay Lynn Brumbaugh**
Susan Lea Hays
Marcy Hogan Greer
Pamela Stanton Baron Jane M. N. Webre
Thompson & Knight Debora B. Alsup
Austin
Macey Reasoner Stokes
Cox Smith
Karen M. Neeley (R), Mary Schaerdel Dietz (*)
Claudia Wilson Frost
Dallas Baker Botts
Lynne Liberato
Alison C. Boren
Jennifer Bruch Hogan
Greenberg Traurig
Norton Rose Fulbright
Nan B. Braley, Heather E. Moulder
Katherine D. Mackillop, Joy M. Soloway
Norton Rose Fulbright Courtney Solcher Marcus
Dallas Alexander Dubose & Townsend
Shipley Snell Montgomery
Baker Botts
Wright & Close
Weil, Gotshal & Manges
San Antonio Cox Smith
Winstead
LaDawn H. Conway Samara L. Kline
Hankinson
Deborah G. Hankinson
Haynes and Boone
Nina Cortell, Anne M. Johnson, Karen S. Precella
Amy D. Maddux
Dorothy H. Bjorck Gwendolyn Johnson Samora, Marie Vinson & Elkins Valinda Barrett Wolfert R. Yeates
Vinson & Elkins
Angela L. Fontana
Wanda McKee Fowler
Jennifer D. Knapek, Melissa Ruman Stewart, Emeline Yang
Ellen B. Mitchell
El Paso Taffy Bagley
Crofts & Callaway Sharon E. Callaway
Locke Lord
Cynthia Timms
Polsinelli
Goldstein, Goldstein & Hilley
Sidney Powell
Langley & Banack
Leane C. Medford Sidney K. Powell
Houston Alice Oliver-Parrott Alice Oliver-Parrott
Thompson & Knight
Taffy D. Bagley (R)
Houston Andrews Kurth
Cynthia Eva Orr
Martha Smith DeBusk, Gail Merel
Jo Chris Lopez
Bracewell & Giuliani
Banking & Finance Law R Financial Service Regulation; * Litigation
Kate H. Day
DLA Piper
Claudia Wilson Frost (*)
Haltom & Doan
O
ver her 24-year legal career, attorney Jennifer Doan has developed a reputation for her extensive trial experience in complex business litigation, as well as intellectual property, environmental and toxic tort, pharmaceutical and medical device, personal injury, product liability, and class action litigation. Doan is particularly well-known for her expertise in commercial litigation, having been selected as Best Lawyers’ 2013 Tyler Lawyer of the Year in the field. In addition, she has successfully applied her trial knowledge to the area of patent infringement, securing three patent infringement defense verdicts for Yahoo! and Amazon in the past three years alone. “The skills involved in trying large, complex matters—including being able to communicate well with juries—can be transferred to multiple subject matters; so as patent litigation has increased in East Texas, we’ve been able to leverage our trial experience on behalf of a number of large tech companies,” notes Doan, who has represented such prominent companies as Yahoo!, Google, Amazon, Rent-ACenter, Verizon, and Southern Wine & Spirits. In recognition of her accomplishments, Doan has been inducted into the invitation-only American Board of Trial Advocates. She was also named in this year’s Texas Super Lawyers’ Top 50 Women in Texas and Benchmark’s Top 250 Women in Litigation publications. Moreover, her firm, Haltom & Doan, was ranked Tier 1 in Tyler by U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” for commercial litigation and eminent domain & condemnation litigation for 2013.
Photo by CHRIS HUNDT
Haltom & Doan TEXARKANA OFFICE
6500 Summerhill Road Suite 100 | Texarkana, TX 75503 phone 903.255.1000 fax 903.255.0800
www.haltomdoan.com
TYLER OFFICE
110 N. College Suite 100 | Tyler, TX 75702 phone 903.525.9437 email jdoan@haltomdoan.com
MARSHALL OFFICE* 110 W. Houston Street Marshall, TX 75670 phone 903.938.6000 (*by appointment only)
Jennifer Doan www.bestlawyers.com | 7
Special Advertising Section
TE X AS w o m e n LA W YERS 2 0 1 4 surv e y r e sult s
Haynes and Boone Theresa Einhorn
Latham & Watkins
M. Catherine Ozdogan
Liskow & Lewis
Marilyn C. Maloney
Nathan Sommers Jacobs
Law Offices of Shirley Baccus-Lobel Shirley Baccus-Lobel
Houston Gibbs & Bruns Kathy D. Patrick
San Antonio Cox Smith
Biotechnology Law Austin Norton Rose Fulbright
Nunley Firm
Vinson & Elkins
Ann C. Jacobs
Cary Plotkin Kavy (R) Rhonda Graff Jolley
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency & Reorganization Law * Litigation Only ** Litigation & Practice area
Austin Martinec, Winn, Vickers & McElroy Rebecca S. McElroy**
Corpus Christi Cox Smith Diann M. Bartek**
Dallas Baker Botts Samara L. Kline*
Gardere Wynne Sewell
Holland N. O’Neil**, Deirdre B. Ruckman**
Hunton & Williams Lynnette R. Warman
Law Offices of Judith Ross Judith W. Ross**
Vinson & Elkins
Tonya Moffat Ramsey
Houston Andrews Kurth Robin Russell
Bracewell & Giuliani Marcy E. Kurtz**
Gina N. Shishima
Margaret J. Sampson
Dallas Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher Tracey B. Davies
Sherrie R. Abney
Shackelford, Melton & McKinley Nicole T. LeBoeuf
Kristen A. Algert, Kelly AusleyFlores
Haynes and Boone
Tull & Lambert
MehaffyWeber
Dallas Calabrese Huff
Susan Hardie Jacks*
Norton Rose Fulbright Evelyn H. Biery
Strong Pipkin Bissell & Ledyard S. Margie Venus**
Weil, Gotshal & Manges
Melanie Gray, Sylvia A. Mayer**, Lydia T. Protopapas
San Antonio Cox Smith
Donna Brown Donna Brown
Locke Lord
Jerry K. Clements
Norton Rose Fulbright
Marcy Hogan Greer, Stephanie A. Smith, Jane Snoddy Smith
Thompson & Knight Debora B. Alsup
Carol C. Payne
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher Veronica S. Lewis
Janice Loy Green Jennifer Tull
Carla M. Calabrese
Jackson Walker
Kathleen M. LaValle, Retta A. Miller
Jones Day
Karen Gren Scholer, Patricia J. Villareal
K&L Gates
Ann Marie Arcadi, Kim J. Askew
Law Offices of Frank L. Branson Debbie Branson 214.522.0200 | page 2 Locke Lord Harriet Miers
Camille Cooper Scroggins
Shackelford, Melton & McKinley
Geary, Porter & Donovan
Strasburger & Price
Goranson, Bain, Larsen, Greenwald, Maultsby & Murphy
Susman Godfrey
Camille Cooper Scroggins Lisa S. Zahn
Paula Larsen
Jody Lynn Johnson
Martha Hardwick-Hofmeister
Ophelia F. Camiña Penny P. Reid
Nina Cortell
Jody L. Johnson
Martha Bourne
Mary-Olga Lovett
Haynes and Boone Lynne Liberato
names in red indicate lawyers selected for 30 years
8 | TEXAS WOMEN LAWYERS
Intellectual Property Law Judith R. Blakeway Elisabeth A. Evert Molly Buck Richard Gina N. Shishima
Labor & Employment Law Connie Cornell Margaret A. Harris Teresa S. Valderrama
Collaborative Law: Family Law Kelly Ausley-Flores Joan Foote Jenkins Jody L. Johnson
Medical Malpractice Law Cynthia Day Grimes Municipal Law Susan Bickley
Natural Employee Benefits Resources Law Elizabeth N. Miller (ERISA) Law Felicia Finston Environmental Law Eva M. Fromm O’Brien Family Law Janice Loy Green Paula Larsen Franchise Law Joyce G. Mazero Health Care Law Cynthia Day Grimes
Oil & Gas Law Debra J. Villarreal Personal Injury Litigation Patricia D. Chamblin Tax Law Mary A. McNulty Trusts & Estates Kathryn G. Henkel Sarah Patel Pacheco Water Law Robin A. Melvin
El Paso Ainsa Hutson Bet-the-Company Litigation VernerBrumley Catherine Chantel Crews Janet P. Brumley Austin Houston Houston Almanza, Blackburn & Baker Botts Jenkins & Kamin Dickie Macey Reasoner Stokes Joan Foote Jenkins Martha S. Dickie Law Office of Norma Levine Beck Redden Norton Rose Fulbright Kathleen A. Gallagher Trusch Marcy Hogan Greer Norma L. Trusch Gibbs & Bruns Kathy D. Patrick Dallas Martha Bourne, Attorney at Law Greenberg Traurig Haynes and Boone Deborah D. Williamson
Insurance Law Susan G. Conway
Collaborative Law: Civil Shannon L. K. Welch
Toni Scott Reed
Weil, Gotshal & Manges
Immigration Law Michelle L. Saenz-Rodriguez
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency International Arbitration & Reorganization Ann Ryan Robertson Law Sylvia A. Mayer
Elder Law Renée Colwill Lovelace
Nina Cortell, Anne M. Johnson
Collaborative Law: Family Law Austin Ausley, Algert, Robertson & Flores
Antitrust Law Alison L. Smith Banking and Finance Law Marilyn C. Maloney
Mary Schaerdel Dietz
Godwin Lewis Houston Carolyn R. Raines Law Office of Norma Levine 214.939.4400| page 4 Trusch Haynes and Boone Norma L. Trusch
Farris & Green
Theresa Einhorn
Martha S. Dickie
Cox Smith
Dallas Collaborative Law: Civil Akin Gump Strauss Hauer Dallas & Feld Eileen Hall, Attorney at Law Lisa S. Gallerano Eileen Hall Baker Botts Samara L. Kline Fisher Holmes & Welch Shannon L. K. Welch Betsy Whitaker Betsy Whitaker Law Office of Stacey H. Langenbahn Carrington, Coleman, Stacey H Langenbahn Sloman & Blumenthal Diane M. Sumoski Law Offices of Sherrie R. Abney Estes Okon Thorne & Carr
Greenberg Traurig Shari L. Heyen**
Commercial Litigation Austin Almanza, Blackburn & Dickie
Administrative / Regulatory Law Molly J. Cagle
Special Advertising Section
has named women “Lawyers of the Year” in Texas, based on their particularly high level of peer recognition.
CHARLA ALDOUS
KRISTEN A. ALGERT
WENDY S. BURGOWER
LAURA H. BURNEY
MEDICAL MALPR ACTICE L AW - PL AINTIFFS
COLL ABOR ATIVE L aw: FAMILY L AW
FAMILY L AW
NATUR AL RESOURCES L AW
DALL AS
austin
After spending the first half of her 27-year legal career handling defense work, Charla Aldous began trying plaintiffs’ cases in the late 1990s and quickly realized that she had found her calling. “Switching to plaintiffs’ work and founding my own firm has been a real blessing because I can choose cases that I truly believe in,” she says. “I often tell clients that we’re in a battle together.” Aldous handles a broad spectrum of plaintiffs’ civil trial work, including cases involving everything from minority shareholder oppression to racial discrimination. She has also developed a reputation for her work in personal injury and medical malpractice cases. In 2013, Aldous’ peers named her as the Best Lawyers’ Dallas Lawyer of the Year for plaintiffs’ medical malpractice law, after recognizing her with the award in 2009 for personal injury litigation. A veteran of more than 100 trials, she was the fourth woman invited to join The Inner Circle of Advocates, which is limited to 100 plaintiffs’ lawyers nationwide. “What’s unique about our practice is that we bring a personal touch,” Aldous says. “I really try to understand the pain my clients have gone through, and I’ve formed many lifelong relationships over the years.” Aldous credits this philosophy to one of her first plaintiffs’ cases—a well water contamination case against Conoco, in which she represented more than 100 trailer park residents. “I realized then that I could be a voice for people who otherwise wouldn’t have one,” she says.
When collaborative law was introduced to Texas in 2000, Kris Algert had already been practicing family law for nearly a decade. During that time, she witnessed firsthand the damage that litigation sometimes inflicts on families, and with the advent of the collaborative process, she saw a logical solution to that problem. “It never made sense to me that the legal system lumps family law cases with all other kinds of civil lawsuits, because divorce is ultimately about a family that’s going through a traumatic time,” Algert says. “With the collaborative process, parties decide up front that they are going to avoid the conflict of trial, and instead focus their energy and resources on reaching an agreement that best suits the family.” Algert, who is board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, was one of the first lawyers trained in collaborative law. In 2004, her enthusiasm for the process led her to focus exclusively on collaborative cases, “I’m more comfortable, and I believe more effective, in the role of a conflictresolution specialist,” she explains. “I think that for those who can do it, the collaborative process is so much better for their family.” This year, Algert was selected by her peers as 2013 Best Lawyers’ Austin Lawyer of the Year for collaborative family law, after being named in 2011 as the Austin family law Lawyer of the Year. Beyond her practice, she serves on the board of directors for Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas.
HOUSTOn Since 1985—when she was board-certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization—Wendy Burgower has been consistently recognized by her peers for her skilled advocacy. In 2013, she was selected as Best Lawyers’ Houston Lawyer of the Year for family law, and she was previously named in Texas Lawyer’s “Go-To Guide.” Burgower has also chaired the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas and is the current president-elect of the Texas Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. But the recognition she has received goes beyond accolades and leadership positions—what truly distinguishes Burgower is that when attorneys need a divorce, they call her. “I’ve represented many attorneys in family law matters,” she notes, “and I think that’s because I have a long history of doing family law and therefore a good sense of the field’s dynamics.” Over her career, Burgower has developed particular experience in common law marriage and custody cases. In 2002, she obtained the largest family law tort judgment in Texas history at the time—$3 million in damages—when she represented Darlina Brown against the hand surgeon Dr. Michael Brown. While Burgower says she loves a good jury trial, she notes: “I work hard to tailor-make settlements that fulfill my clients’ needs, and nine times out of ten I can get my clients’ cases settled; so clients are comfortable knowing that if I go to a courtroom I can win, but I won’t make them go to court.”
SAN ANTONIO In the field of natural resources law, there is little attorney Laura Burney hasn’t done. During her 29-year career, she has worked as an advocate, expert, mediator, and arbitrator in oil and gas disputes, while also writing and speaking on related legal issues. In 2010, Burney returned to the faculty of her alma mater, St. Mary’s University School of Law (SMU), after having taught natural resources law there from 1985 to 2004. “I started off in academia, and that really created the opportunity in my private practice to work in many different capacities,” says Burney, who served as the Albert and Helen Herrmann Professor of Natural Resources Law while a tenured professor at the school. Burney had only been teaching at SMU for two years when she published the article that would launch her into the oil and gas practice. The piece involved an oil and gas title issue known as the “other minerals” problem, and she soon followed it with another article on an infamous Texas title issue—the two-grant doctrine. Because of that article, Concord Oil hired Burney to brief and argue a case before the Texas Supreme Court, where the company ultimately prevailed. “Focusing in this area has allowed me to work with, for, and against, some of the best lawyers in the country,” says Burney, Best Lawyers’ 2013 San Antonio Lawyer of the Year for natural resources law. “So understandably, there’s something of a mutual admiration society among oil and gas law practitioners.” www.bestlawyers.com | 9
Special Advertising Section
2 0 1 4 surv e y r e sult s
Phelps Dunbar
Winstead
Sutherland Asbill & Brennan
Patricia Hair
Rachel Giesber Clingman
Vinson & Elkins Marie R. Yeates
Winstead
Teresa Letson Schneider
San Antonio Schmoyer Reinhard Annalyn G. Smith
Strasburger & Price Judith R. Blakeway
Tyler Haltom & Doan Texarkana, TX Jennifer Haltom Doan 903.255.1000 | page 7 Construction Law * Litigation Only ** Litigation & Practice area
Austin Ann Y. Riddel Ann Y. Riddel
Cox Smith
Mary Schaerdel Dietz*
Dallas Carrington, Coleman, Sloman & Blumenthal Cathy Altman*
Kleiman Lawrence Baskind Fitzgerald Laird Elizabeth Lawrence**
Vinson & Elkins
Houston Andrews Myers
Dallas Bracewell & Giuliani Haynes and Boone
Lubbock Marjorie Ann Newton
Porter Hedges
K&L Gates
San Antonio Schmoyer Reinhard
Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr
Michelle I. Rieger
Linda D. Emery
Allison J. Snyder
Annalyn G. Smith*
Corporate Governance & Compliance Law
Janice Z. Davis
Janice V. Sharry Mary R. Korby
Sally A. Schreiber
Norton Rose Fulbright Harva R. Dockery
Strasburger & Price Carol Glendenning
C Corporate Compliance Law ; G Corporate Governance Law
Thompson & Knight
Houston Norton Rose Fulbright
Weil, Gotshal & Manges
Peggy A. Heeg (C, G)
Ann Marie Cowdrey Angela L. Fontana
Houston Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld
Marcia E. Backus, Trina Hill Chandler
M. Ann Newton
Criminal Defense: Non-White-Collar El Paso Mary Stillinger Mary Stillinger
Criminal Defense: White-Collar Austin Almanza, Blackburn & Dickie Martha S. Dickie
Corporate Law Austin Christine B. LaFollette Hajjar Sutherland Peters & Andrews Kurth Washmon Diana M. Hudson, Allison D.
Dallas Law Offices of Shirley Baccus-Lobel
Hughes Vanderburg Williams & Bartoletti
San Antonio Goldstein, Goldstein & Hilley
Diana K. Borden
Karen J. Bartoletti
Jackson Walker Ann L. Benolken
Law Office of Karen Holody Karen J. Holody
Vinson & Elkins Susan B. Snyder
Winstead
Mantor, Robin Russell
Baker Botts
Kelly Brunetti Rose
Latham & Watkins
Robin Smith Fredrickson
Locke Lord
Donna Burnett
Norton Rose Fulbright
Peggy A. Heeg, Laura J. McMahon
Shirley Baccus-Lobel
Cynthia Eva Orr
Derivatives & Futures Law Dallas Jones Day Patricia J. Villareal
Kathryn K. Lindauer
Education Law Austin The Fowler Law Firm Laura Fowler
Dallas Brackett & Ellis Lynn Rossi Scott
El Paso ScottHulse
Rosemary Morales Marin
Elder Law Austin Cox Smith Kathy L. Poppitt
Law Offices of Deborah Green Deborah A. Green
Marilyn G. Miller Marilyn G. Miller
Sharon B. Gardner Sharon Brand Gardner
Wright Abshire, Attorneys Molly Dear Abshire
San Antonio K.T. Whitehead Kathleen T. Whitehead
Schoenbaum, Curphy & Scanlan Patricia F. Sitchler
Eminent Domain & Condemnation Law Beaumont Orgain, Bell & Tucker Leanne Johnson
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law * Litigation Only ** Litigation & Practice area
Austin
The Lovelace Law Firm
Barton Law Office Lydia Wommack Barton
Thompson & Tiemann
Bradshaw & Bickerton
Renée Colwill Lovelace G. Gaye Thompson
Maria Elena Bickerton
Vinson & Elkins El Paso Hobson, Stribling & Carson Miriam M. Burke** Stancy Stribling Dallas Conner & Winters Houston Sarah E. Fry Law Office of Christina Crain Cubbage Healy Lesher Hedgpeth Johnson & Christina Lesher Wilson Moorman, Tate, Urquhart, Riva T. Johnson Haley, Upchurch & Yates Laura Upchurch
Short Carter Morris, LLP
F
Short Carter Morris, LLP 1177 West Loop South | Suite 700 | Houston, TX 77027
phone 713.626.3345 | fax 713.759.9650
www.shortcartermorris.com 10 | TEXAS WOMEN LAWYERS
Patricia Nellenbach Carter
Photo by JILL HUNTER
or 15 years, Patricia Nellenbach Carter has focused solely in the area of family law, building one of the state’s most respected divorce practices: Not only is she board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and included in The Best Lawyers in America, but her firm, Short Carter Morris, LLP, has been ranked Tier 1 in Houston for family law by U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.” “I’m just a zealous advocate,” Carter says of the recognition she has received. “I work hard to resolve cases amicably, but I am comfortable in the courtroom and am always preparing for the possibility that some cases have to be litigated, and I think that’s essential, especially when you’re fighting for clients whose issues are a little out of the norm.” Over her career, Carter has developed a particular focus on child-related issues, handling high-conflict custody cases and cases involving children with special needs, as well as representing parties other than parents—such as grandparents, siblings, and other family members—in contested child custody matters. “Those cases can be extremely challenging because they require you to work outside of the standard provisions in the family code,” Carter notes, “but as a mother of three, I feel very strongly about advocating for the child’s best interest.” Carter also credits her success to the mentorship she has received during her career and her work and membership in several family law-related organizations, particularly as a board member and officer of the Houston Bar Association Family Law Section and as a member and past-chair of the Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists; she also holds a fellowship in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and is a longtime member of the Burta Rhodes Raborn Family Law Inns of Court.
Special Advertising Section
Cover story
Debbie Dudley Branson: Practicing The Value of Good Works
Photo by dan sellars
D
espite the often-intense workload that comes with being a key member of one of the state’s most respected plaintiffs’ law firms, Debbie Dudley Branson has always made time in her busy schedule for work on behalf of community, political, and civic causes, including mentoring young leaders. Raised in a family of lawyers starting with her great-grandfather, Ms. Branson strongly believes that working with worthwhile community groups and serving as a mentor should go hand-in-hand with the privilege of being a lawyer. When Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins sought out Ms. Branson to fill a spot on the Parkland Health and Hospital System Board of Managers, she agreed. Since beginning her role with Parkland, she has been elected chair of the high-profile board, where her volunteer position has become one of the most challenging and rewarding assignments in an already distinctive career. “The judge called and said, ‘I really need you to do this,’” she says. “Nobody had any idea what the role would eventually involve, but I accepted the job, and I intend to do my part in seeing it through.” Ms. Branson maintains her role as chair of the Parkland board as Dallas County’s taxpayer-funded public hospital faces critically important challenges. Many days, she finds herself representing the public face of Parkland while the hospital
For Noted Trial Lawyer, Leaving Comfort Zone Brings Rewards
system navigates regulatory and oversight challenges, political and budgetary issues, and a nationwide search for a new CEO. Meanwhile, the federal Affordable Care Act’s overhaul of health care delivery in the U.S. is creating seismic changes for how all of the nation’s hospitals do business. As the only public hospital in Dallas County, Parkland’s long-term future will affect millions of North Texas residents and provide an enormous economic impact on the region. As a veteran trial attorney, Ms. Branson is comfortable with high-stakes cases and taking on the related problem-solving challenges. “It’s been a big learning curve in some respects, but my training and background have been extremely useful,” she says.
GOOD LAWYERING SHOULD ALWAYS MAKE YOU FEEL PROUD. The challenges amount to a full-time volunteer job, which Ms. Branson maintains in addition to her work as a lawyer at The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson, one of the state’s premier trial litigation firms. The Dallas-based firm is widely known for representing serious injury victims in cases involving dangerous products, oil field accidents, and truck crashes. The firm is also recognized for its work in high-stakes commercial litigation. In her role at The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson,
Debbie Dudley Branson
Ms. Branson utilizes a graduate degree in psychology to develop trial strategy and courtroom communication themes. Together, Ms. Branson and her fellow firm attorneys have earned record verdicts and settlements for many injured clients while working to ensure the safety of consumer products
and corporate practices. Ms. Branson handles all of her work based on her strong belief that attorneys share an obligation to make a difference in people’s lives. “It doesn’t have to be a big thing—just a good thing,” she says. “Good lawyering should always make you feel proud.” www.bestlawyers.com | 11
Special Advertising Section
2 0 1 4 surv e y r e sult s
Haynes and Boone Susan A. Wetzel
K&L Gates Erin Turley
Karen K. Suhre Karen K. Suhre
Thompson & Knight
Sharon M. Fountain, Shelly A. Youree
Wilkins Finston Law Group
Felicia Finston**, Linda A. Wilkins
Winstead
Greta E. Cowart, Nancy W. Furney
Houston Baker Botts Gail W. Stewart**
DLA Piper
Claudia Wilson Frost*
Norton Rose Fulbright Stephanie M. Schroepfer
San Antonio Cox Smith Mary M. Potter
Energy Law Austin Husch Blackwell Marianne Carroll
Graves, Dougherty, Hearon Houston & Moody Bracewell & Giuliani
Dallas Vinson & Elkins
Helen Currie Foster
Jo Ann Biggs
Houston Latham & Watkins
Robin Smith Fredrickson
J. Kay Trostle
Connelly Baker Wotring
Haynes and Boone
Jackson Gilmour & Dobbs
Patricia Finn Braddock
Mary Simmons Mendoza**
Debra T. Baker** Lori J. Warner
Norton Rose Fulbright
Katten Muchin Rosenman
King & Spalding
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
Law Offices of Susan G. Zachos
Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr
Peggy A. Heeg, G. Gail Watkins Ann A. Hawkins
Sara Marquis Burgin** Susan G. Zachos**
Vinson & Elkins
Marcia E. Backus, Kathleen Cooper Lake
San Antonio Haynes and Boone Diana Liebmann
McGinnis, Lochridge & Kilgore Mary B. Reagan
Smiley Law Firm Cynthia C. Smiley
Thompson & Knight
Entertainment Law F Film; M Music
Dallas Bell Nunnally & Martin Danica L. Mathes (F, M)
Environmental Law * Litigation Only ** Litigation & Practice area
Austin Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Baker Botts Townsend Molly J. Cagle**, Pamela M. Georgia N. Crump Smith Trostle & Huerta
Heather M. Corken
Guida, Slavich & Flores
Giblin**, Aileen M. Hooks**, Jennifer Keane**
Duggins Wren Mann & Romero Celina Romero
Becky L. Jolin
Dallas Baker Botts Samara L. Kline*
C Bishop Law
Cynthia J. Bishop**
Cantey Hanger Sarah K. Walls**
Tracie J. Renfroe*
Palmer & Manuel Leota H. Alexander
Nancy W. Hamilton*
Sidley Austin
Tracy N. LeRoy*
Franchise Law Dallas Baker Botts Ann Hurwitz
Norton Rose Fulbright
S. Camille Milner Attorney at Law
Haynes and Boone
Porter Hedges
VernerBrumley
Law Offices of Kat Tidd Kat Tidd 972.247.6934 | page 15 Mullin Law
Mary W. Koks**
Eva M. Fromm O’Brien** Ragna O. Henrichs
Vinson & Elkins
Sharon M. Mattox**, Carol E. Dinkins*
Family Law Austin Ausley, Algert, Robertson & Flores Kristen A. Algert, Kelly AusleyFlores, JoAl Cannon Sheridan
Farris & Green
S. Camille Milner
Janet P. Brumley, Jennifer S. Hargrave
Houston Barbara K. Runge Barbara K. Runge
Brenda D. Keen Brenda D. Keen
Burgower & Rainwater Wendy S. Burgower
Jenkins & Kamin
Joan Foote Jenkins, Lynn Kamin
Deborah S. Coldwell, Joyce G. Mazero
Cheryl L. Mullin
Strasburger & Price Earsa Jackson
Government Relations Practice Austin Baker Botts
Guida, Slavich & Flores
Noelke English Maples St. Leger Blair
Locke Lord
Rivers McNamara
Thompson & Knight
The Law Office of Janet McCullar
Schlanger, Silver, Barg & Paine
Tull & Lambert
Short Carter Morris Patricia Nellenbach Carter 713.626.3345 | page 10 Tindall & England Angela Pence England 713.622.8733 | page 15
Exall & Wood
Allison K. Exall**
Gardere Wynne Sewell Frances E. Phillips** Sally A. Longroy
Elizabeth E. Mack A. Kay Roska
Janice Loy Green
Mauzy & Tucker
Catherine A. Mauzy Andrea St. Leger Richel Rivers
Janet McCullar Vavra Jennifer Tull
Corpus Christi Coover & Coover Ann E. Coover
Lisa L. Taylor Lisa L. Taylor
Barbara has been selected a Best Lawyer in the fields of:
Dallas Calabrese Huff Carla M. Calabrese
Connatser Family Law Aubrey M. Connatser
ARBITRATION HEALTH CARE LAW MEDIATION MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAW DEFENDANTS ■ MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAW - PLAINTIFFS ■ PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION DEFENDANTS ■ PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION PLAINTIFFS ■ ■ ■ ■
email bar@radnofsky.com 12 | TEXAS WOMEN LAWYERS
Mary Johanna McCurley
Houston Jackson Walker
Pamela M. Giblin KoonsFuller Sherri Evans Deborah Goodell Polan 713.789.5112 | page 16 Deborah Goodell Polan Law Office of Norma Levine KG Strategies Lisa K. Anderson Trusch Norma L. Trusch Law Offices of Ellen C. Williams Linda Ann Hinds
Barbara Ann Radnofsky
NOW AVAILABLE FOR MEDIATION
KoonsFuller Southlake, TX Heather L. King 817.481.2710 | page 16 McCurley Orsinger McCurley Nelson & Downing
Diana S. Friedman Diana S. Friedman
Estes Okon Thorne & Carr Jessica W. Thorne
Fuller Mediations Sharla J. Fuller
Georganna L. Simpson Georganna L. Simpson
Goranson, Bain, Larsen, Greenwald, Maultsby & Murphy
Angeline Lindley Bain, Paula Larsen, Beth E. Maultsby, Kathryn J. Murphy
Jody Lynn Johnson Jody L. Johnson
Karen Turner Family Law Karen B. Turner
KoonsFuller Plano, TX Kristy Piazza Blanchard, Julie Crawford 972.769.2727 | page 16 KoonsFuller Denton, TX Charla H. Bradshaw 940.442.6677 | page 16
Linda Ann Hinds
Patricia A. Wicoff
Lubbock Underwood Law Firm Sally Holt Emerson
San Antonio Langley & Banack Jo Chris Lopez
Wilson, Pennypacker & Thomson Cheryl L. Wilson
Family Law Mediation Austin Ausley, Algert, Robertson & Flores Kristen A. Algert
Farris & Green Janice Loy Green
Dallas Goranson, Bain, Larsen, Greenwald, Maultsby & Murphy Beth E. Maultsby
Ellen Claire Williams
The Graydon Group
Machree Garrett Gibson
Health Care Law Austin Cox Smith
Catherine M. Greaves, Kathy L. Poppitt
Joy & Young
Hilary Hughes Young
Locke Lord
Jennifer L. Rangel
McGinnis, Lochridge & Kilgore Penny Hobbs
Norton Rose Fulbright Yvonne K. Puig
Strasburger & Price Kathryn M. Darling
Swann & Waddill Sharron L. Swann
Beaumont MehaffyWeber Patricia D. Chamblin
Dallas Haynes and Boone Stacy L. Brainin
Locke Lord
Lisa Atlas Genecov, Jan Reimann Newsom
Norton Rose Fulbright Denise Webb Glass
Houston Houston Law Office of Norma Levine BakerHostetler Donna S. Clark, Susan Feigin Harris Trusch Norma L. Trusch Barbara Ann Radnofsky Barbara Ann Radnofsky First Amendment Law 713.858.8509 | page 12 * Litigation Only Norton Rose Fulbright ** Litigation & Practice area Debbi M. Johnstone Austin Scott Patton George Brothers Kincaid & Lisa Lepow Turboff Horton Julie Ford**
Special Advertising Section
Former Judge Marilea Lewis: A Proven Leader
Photo by Jesse Hornbuckle
F
ormer Judge Marilea Lewis has much to be proud of: a well-respected judicial career spanning 24 years, a 30year marriage, two children who are both practicing attorneys in Dallas, and, on top of that, a Texas heritage that goes back five generations. Lewis notes that it was her deep pride in her Texas roots that, in part, shaped her decision to join the bench in 1986. “One of the reasons I really enjoyed my time on the bench was because I was able to provide a very necessary public service to the litigants, attorneys, and the State of Texas,” she says. Prior to becoming a judge, Lewis—who earned both her undergraduate and law degrees at Baylor University—entered the practice of law, working for two years at a small plaintiffs’ firm. She then joined the attorney general’s office for six months before opening her own practice in Dallas. Still, at the time, Lewis felt the best use of her talents would be on the bench, and in 1986 she became the master referee for the 305th District Court, which has jurisdiction of juvenile law matters. “I found that being on the bench was better suited for my ability to see issues from a variety of different angles,” Lewis explains. “I very much enjoyed being an advocate when I was first in private practice, but as my practice progressed, I decided that I could be the most effective as a judge.” Lewis served as an Associate Judge in the 305th District Court for six years, and in 1992, she became an Associate Judge for the 330th Family District
Court. After a decade in that role, she was elected as the judge of the 330th District Court in 2002. Lewis held that position for two fouryear terms before returning to private practice in January 2012. “Going from the bench to private practice, I’ve found it very rewarding to be able to assist individuals with such emotionally charged issues,” Lewis says of her transition. “It certainly helps that I understand what judges are listening for—what evidence needs to be presented to the court to get the point across without belaboring irrelevant or ancillary issues.” In returning to private practice, Lewis decided on the trial and appellate firm of Godwin Ronquillo, a midsized firm based in Dallas with a national practice. She says that joining the firm was an easy decision, given its diverse client base and supportive environment: “I was extremely impressed by how active the firm was in helping each attorney
Cover story
With 24 years on the bench, Godwin Lewis’ new name partner was an easy choice
Marilea Lewis
for the new name shareholder position. Not to mention, she is highly esteemed in the legal community: This year, Lewis was both AV®-Preeminent™ rated by Martindale-Hubbell and included in The Best Lawyers in America. She is also a member of the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists and the Texas Family Law Foundation, a
Going from the bench to private practice, I’ve found it very rewarding to be able to assist individuals with such emotionally charged issues. reach his or her full potential. It’s an approach that’s very conducive to creating a firm where all of the attorneys are representing their clients to the best of their ability.” When Marcos Ronquillo left the firm to pursue other opportunities in the fall of 2012, Lewis’ leadership— she chairs the Family Law Litigation and ADR practice groups—made her a perfect fit
past chair of the curriculum committee for the Texas Center for the Judiciary, and a past president of the Annette Stewart American Inn of Court. “Marilea is a proven leader who has shown time and again to be the ideal person for this role,” says Donald Godwin, who is currently lead trial attorney for Halliburton in all civil litigation concerning BP’s Macondo well blowout in the
Gulf of Mexico. “The insight, strength, and passion she has gained over multiple terms on the bench bring a new level of service to our clients, and we are very pleased to have her with us.” Indeed, in just two years at the newly renamed Godwin Lewis, Lewis has significantly developed the firm’s family law section: whereas before the firm just had attorneys who occasionally handled family law matters, it now has a group of five attorneys who are dedicated to the practice. In addition, these lawyers have access to attorneys who focus in areas such as probate, tax, bankruptcy, health care, and environmental law. Still, Lewis emphasizes that the firm’s goal isn’t simply to expand: “We primarily want to focus on providing the highest quality representation to our clients, and with our wealth of experience and variety of backgrounds, we believe that’s what we’re doing right now.” www.bestlawyers.com | 13
Special Advertising Section
2 0 1 4 surv e y r e sult s
Seyfarth Shaw
Sheryl Tatar Dacso
Lubbock Brown & Fortunato
Mary Margaret Bearden
San Antonio Strasburger & Price
Cynthia Day Grimes, Kathleen Quiroz
Immigration Law Corpus Christi Elisabeth S. Brodyaga Elisabeth S. Brodyaga
Law Office of Jodi Goodwin
Jodilyn Marie Goodwin
Dallas Berry Appleman & Leiden Paige L. Taylor
Cedillo-Pereira & Cedillo Mary Elizabeth Cedillo-Pereira
Crain Cubbage Healy Hedgpeth Johnson & Wilson Elise A. Healy
Law Offices of Richard A. Gump, Jr. Charla Truett
Miley & Brown Sarah Z. Brown
Norton Rose Fulbright Cindy Kang Ansbach
Saenz-Rodriguez & Associates
Michelle L. Saenz-Rodriguez
El Paso Cox Smith
Kathleen Campbell Walker
Tollefson Bradley Mitchell & Melendi Beth D. Bradley
Houston Martin, Disiere, Jefferson & Wisdom Deborah Rank
Intellectual Property Law C Copyright; IP Intellectual Property; P Patent; T Trademark; * Litigation
Austin Norton Rose Fulbright Gina N. Shishima (P, P*)
Pirkey Barber
Wendy Larson (T)
Vinson & Elkins
Margaret J. Sampson (IP*, P, P*)
Dallas Baker Botts
Samara L. Kline (IP*)
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher Tracey B. Davies (IP*, P, P*)
Hitchcock Evert
Elisabeth A. Evert (C, IP*, P, T)
Jones Day
Hilda C. Galvan (P*)
San Antonio Shivers & Shivers Nancy Taylor Shivers
Insurance Law Austin Graves, Dougherty, Hearon & Moody Susan G. Conway
Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard Elisabeth DeLargy
Winstead
Linda J. Burgess, Mary F. Keller
Dallas Amy Stewart
Amy Elizabeth Stewart
Haynes and Boone Erika L. Bright
Hermes Sargent Bates Veronica M. Bates
Shannon, Gracey, Ratliff & Miller
Austin Cornell Smith Mierl & Brutocao Connie Cornell (EM, LM)
Deats, Durst, Owen & Levy Martha P. Owen (EI)
Glenda Pittman & Associates
Glenda L. Pittman (LU)
Dallas Cox Smith
Arlene Switzer Steinfield (EM, LE*)
Crain Cubbage Healy Hedgpeth Johnson & Wilson Gayla C. Crain (EM, LE*)
Farrow-Gillespie & Heath
Susman Godfrey
Gardere Wynne Sewell
Molly Buck Richard (C, IP*, T) Ophelia F. Camiña (IP*, P*)
Thompson & Knight
Jane Politz Brandt (IP*, P*)
Winstead
Cathryn A. Berryman (T)
DLA Piper
Nancy A. Falgout
EI Employment Law – Individuals; EM Employment Law – Management; LE Labor and Employment; LM Labor Law – Management; LU Labor Law – Union; * Litigation
Richard Law Group
FosterQuan
Nancy A. Falgout
Labor & Employment Law
Estes Okon Thorne & Carr
Susan E. Powley (IP*, P*, T)
Houston Boulware & Valoir
Magali Suárez Candler, Kelly D. Cobb, Karen Katz Feldman, Judy J. Lee
Marcia E. Backus
Patterson & Sheridan
Houston De Mott, McChesney, Curtright, & Armendáriz Angelique M. Montano
INTERNATIONAL TRADE & FINANCE LAW Houston Vinson & Elkins
Margaret A. Boulware (C, IP*, P, P*, T) Claudia Wilson Frost (IP*)
Haynes and Boone Lynne Liberato (IP*)
Liskow & Lewis
Marilyn C. Maloney (T)
Mayer Brown
Sharon A. Israel (IP*, P*)
Nielsen IP Law
Lori Carr (LU)
Maricela Moore (EM)
Carrie B. Hoffman (EM, LE*), Celeste R. Yeager (LE*)
Gillespie, Rozen & Watsky Yona Rozen (EI, LE*, LU)
Laura M. Franze (EM, LM)
K&L Gates
Christie A. Newkirk (EM, LM)
Kleiman Lawrence Baskind Fitzgerald Karen Fitzgerald (EI, LE*)
Littler Mendelson
Jacqueline Johnson Lichty (EM), Jennifer A. Youpa (EM)
Maris & Lanier
Marigny Lanier (EM, LE*)
Wong, Cabello, Lutsch, Rutherford & Brucculeri
Thompson & Knight
San Antonio Strasburger & Price
El Paso Kemp Smith
Judith R. Blakeway (IP*)
International Arbitration C Commercial; G Governmental
Houston Locke Lord
Ann Ryan Robertson (G)
Melinda R. Burke
Thompson & Knight Rachelle H. Glazer
14 | TEXAS WOMEN LAWYERS
Denise Cotter Villani (EM, LE*) Kimberly S. Moore (EM)
Elizabeth A. Schartz (EM, LE*)
Vinson & Elkins
Vanessa Máire Griffith (EM, LM)
Clara Burns (EM, LE*, LM)
ScottHulse
Rosemary Morales Marin (EM, LM)
Houston BakerHostetler
Lisa H. Pennington (EM, LM)
Barbara J. Gardner Barbara J. Gardner (EI)
Bracewell & Giuliani
Amy Karff Halevy (EM, LE*)
Winston & Strawn Paula W. Hinton (D)
Medical Malpractice Law
Elizabeth Pratt
D Medical Malpractice – Defendants; P Medical Malpractice – Plaintiffs
Hoover Kernell
Austin Germer Gertz
Elizabeth Pratt (EM, LE*) Diana L. Hoover (EM)
Oil & Gas Law Austin Kelly Hart & Hallman Brenda Clayton
Scott, Douglass & McConnico
Carroll G. Martin, Elizabeth N. Miller
Norton Rose Fulbright
Dallas Thompson & Knight
Yvonne K. Puig (D)
Debra J. Villarreal
Jackson Lewis
Dallas Aldous Law Firm
Houston Latham & Watkins
Littler Mendelson
Slack & Davis
Vinson & Elkins
Locke Lord
El Paso Evelina Ortega Law Office
Lubbock Cotton, Bledsoe, Tighe & Dawson
Hughes Roch
Carolyn D. Roch (EM)
Hunton & Williams
Holly H. Williamson (EM, LE*) Teresa S. Valderrama (EM, LE*, LM), Ruthie N. White (EM) Linda O. Headley (EM, LE*), Victoria Martin Phipps (LE*) Hanna Fister Norvell (EM)
Martin, Disiere, Jefferson & Wisdom Elizabeth M. Kroger (EM, LM)
Mize Minces & Clark
Katherine T. Mize (EM, LE*)
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius Nancy L. Patterson (EM, LE*, LM)
Norton Rose Fulbright
Shauna Johnson Clark (EM, LM)
Ogden, Gibson, Broocks, Longoria & Hall Laura Gibson (EM, LE*)
Shadow Sloan Attorney At Law Shadow Sloan (EM, LM)
Shook, Hardy & Bacon Ethel J. Johnson (EM, LM)
Bracewell & Giuliani
Melissa M. Goodman (LE*)
Weil, Gotshal & Manges
Susan K. Knoll (IP*, P*)
Juliann H. Panagos (EM, LE*)
Hunton & Williams
Strasburger & Price
Amber L. Hagy (P*)
Crain, Caton & James
San Antonio Barton, East & Caldwell
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart
Jayme Partridge (IP*, P*)
Katherine L. Butler (EI), Margaret A. Harris (EI, LE*)
Haynes and Boone
Norton Rose Fulbright
Denise M. Kettelberger (P)
Butler & Harris
Dawn B. Finlayson (EM, LE*, LM) Leslie Selig Byrd (EM, LM), Judy K. Jetelina (EM, LE*, LM)
Cox Smith
Donna K. McElroy (EM, LM)
Gaul and Dumont
Kala Scott Dumont (EI, LE*), Malinda A. Gaul (EI)
Haynes and Boone
Laura E. O’Donnell (LE*)
Norton Rose Fulbright
Cynthia M. Benedict (EM, LE*, LM, LU)
Schmoyer Reinhard
Shannon Schmoyer (EI, EM, LM), Christine E. Reinhard (EM, LE*, LM)
Land Use & Zoning Law * Litigation Only ** Litigation & Practice area
Dallas Jackson Walker Susan Mead**
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions D Mass Tort - Defendants; P Mass Tort - Plaintiffs
Beaumont Orgain, Bell & Tucker S. Donean Surratt (D, P)
Houston Norton Rose Fulbright Gerry Lowry (D)
Missy K. Atwood (D)
Charla G. Aldous (P)
Paula Fisette Sweeney (P)
Evelina Ortega (P)
Houston Barbara Ann Radnofsky Barbara Ann Radnofsky (D, P) 713.858.8509 | page 12 Cardwell & Chang Suzan K. Cardwell (D)
San Antonio Strasburger & Price Cynthia Day Grimes (D)
Mergers & Acquisitions Law * Litigation Only ** Litigation & Practice area
Austin Law Office of Karen Holody Karen J. Holody
Dallas K&L Gates
Robin Smith Fredrickson Marcia E. Backus
Susan R. Richardson
Personal Injury Litigation D Product Liability – Defendants; P Product Liability – Plaintiffs
Austin Norton Rose Fulbright Yvonne K. Puig (D)
Beaumont MehaffyWeber
Barbara Jane Barron (D), Patricia D. Chamblin (D), Sandra F. Clark (D), Michele Y. Smith (D)
Corpus Christi Perry & Haas Rene M. Haas (P)
Dallas Aldous Law Firm Charla G. Aldous (P)
Houston Baker Botts
Law Offices of Frank L. Branson Debbie Branson (P) 214.522.0200 | page 2 Mitchell, Goff & Mitchell
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
Naman, Howell, Smith & Lee
Vinson & Elkins
Slack & Davis
Mary R. Korby
Kelly Brunetti Rose** Noelle M. Reed*
Marcia E. Backus, Trina Hill Chandler
Municipal Law * Litigation Only ** Litigation & Practice area
Houston Blank Rome Susan Bickley*
Natural Resources Law Austin Law Offices of Susan G. Zachos Susan G. Zachos
Scott, Douglass & McConnico Elizabeth N. Miller
Lubbock Cotton, Bledsoe, Tighe & Dawson Susan R. Richardson
San Antonio Law Offices of Laura H. Burney Laura H. Burney
Carmen S. Mitchell (P) Sandra C. Liser (D)
Paula Fisette Sweeney (P)
Turley Law Firm Linda Turley (P)
Houston Alice Oliver-Parrott
Alice Oliver-Parrott (D, P)
Barbara Ann Radnofsky Barbara Ann Radnofsky (D, P) 713.858.8509 | page 12 Beck Redden Kathleen A. Gallagher (D)
Germer Gertz
Barbara L. Hachenburg (D)
Hughes Watters Askanase Carolyn A. Taylor (D)
Mithoff Law Firm
Sherie Potts Beckman (D, P)
Norton Rose Fulbright Gerry Lowry (D)
San Antonio Law Office of Clem Lyons Mary I. Wilson (P)
Strasburger & Price Cynthia Day Grimes (D)
Special Advertising Section
Product Liability Litigation “D” denotes Product Liability: Defendants; “P” denotes Product Liability: Plaintiffs
Kelly Hart & Hallman
Patricia F. Meadows, Sharon S. Millians
Shannon, Gracey, Ratliff & Miller Barbara Kennedy
Austin Hawkins Parnell Thackston & Young
Shupe Ventura Lindelow & Olson
Norton Rose Fulbright
Strasburger & Price
Beaumont MehaffyWeber
Thompson & Knight
Kay Andrews (D)
Lana K. Varney (D)
Barbara Jane Barron (D), Sandra F. Clark (D), Michele Y. Smith (D)
Houston Beck Redden
Kathleen A. Gallagher (D)
Norton Rose Fulbright Gerry Lowry (D)
Project Finance Law Houston Vinson & Elkins Marcia E. Backus
Public Finance Law Austin Bracewell & Giuliani
Misty Ventura
Diana J. Bearden
Susan E. Coleman, Martha Harris, Laura L. McClellan
Winstead
Noelle L. Garsek
El Paso Gordon Davis Johnson & Shane Yolanda Giner
Taffy Bagley
Taffy D. Bagley
The Gilbert Law Firm Risher Smith Gilbert
Houston Baker Botts
Consuella Simmons Taylor
BoyarMiller
Cassie Stinson
Elizabeth Rippy Bowes
LeBarron Law
McCall, Parkhurst & Horton
Liskow & Lewis
Carol Polumbo
Dallas McCall, Parkhurst & Horton Jeffrey A. Leuschel
Houston Allen Boone Humphries Robinson Tina M. Kyle
Nathan Sommers Jacobs Ann C. Jacobs
Norton Rose Fulbright
Barbara J. LeBarron Marilyn C. Maloney
Strasburger & Price Mary Axelrad
San Antonio Nunley Firm Rhonda Graff Jolley
Wilson & Wilson Law Jamie M. Wilson
Securities / Capital Markets Law * Litigation Only ** Litigation & Practice area
Austin
Kathleen R. Ellison
Real Estate Law * Litigation Only ** Litigation & Practice area
Austin Armbrust & Brown
Kimberly S. Beckham, Sue Brooks Littlefield
Cox Smith
Mary Schaerdel Dietz*
Hurst Savage & Vanderburg
Susan J. Savage, Ann E. Vanderburg
Norton Rose Fulbright
Jane Snoddy Smith**, Amy M. Mitchell
Dallas Baker Botts Patricia Stanton
Bryan Cave
Robin R. Dubas
Gardere Wynne Sewell Cynthia Nelson
Greenberg Traurig Tina M. Ross
Haynes and Boone Ann M. Saegert
Jackson Walker
Susan A. Halsey, L. Suzan Kedron, Susan Mead
Winstead
Kathryn K. Lindauer
Dallas Baker Botts Samara L. Kline*
Carrington, Coleman, Sloman & Blumenthal Diane M. Sumoski*
Jones Day
Patricia J. Villareal*
K&L Gates Mary R. Korby Houston Baker Botts Maria Wyckoff Boyce* DLA Piper Claudia Wilson Frost* Gibbs & Bruns Kathy D. Patrick* Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom Noelle M. Reed* Securities Regulation * Litigation Only ** Litigation & Practice area
Austin Winstead Kathryn K. Lindauer
Dallas Jackson Walker Kathleen M. LaValle* Jones Day Patricia J. Villareal* K&L Gates Mary R. Korby Tax Law * Litigation Only ** Litigation & Practice area
Austin Almanza, Blackburn & Dickie Martha S. Dickie* Beckett Tackett & Jetel Carolyn M. Beckett Mondrik & Associates Christina A. Mondrik* Dallas Haynes and Boone Vicki L. Martin-Odette K&L Gates Kathryn G. Henkel, Cynthia Morgan Ohlenforst Norton Rose Fulbright Joy R. Ellis Thompson & Knight Mary A. McNulty**, Emily A. Parker*, Barbara B. Ferguson, Sharon M. Fountain, Shelly A. Youree Houston Andrews Kurth Allison D. Mantor Baker & McKenzie Melinda R. Phelan, N. Susan Stone Vinson & Elkins Judith M. Blissard San Antonio Strasburger & Price Elizabeth A. Copeland** Technology Law Lubbock Marjorie Ann Newton M. Ann Newton Transportation Law Houston Sutherland Asbill & Brennan Rachel Giesber Clingman Trusts & Estates * Litigation Only ** Litigation & Practice area
Austin Beckett Tackett & Jetel Amy P. Jetel Bennett Flaherty Frances H. Bennett DuBois, Bryant & Campbell Michele A. Mobley Eccles & McIntosh Beth Ann Eccles** Giordani Swanger Ripp & Phillips Leslie C. Giordani Graves, Dougherty, Hearon & Moody Patricia A. Campbell
Hopper Mikeska D’Ana Mikeska Law Offices of Deborah Green Deborah A. Green Law Offices of Rhonda H. Brink Rhonda H. Brink Osborne, Helman, Knebel & Deleery Elizabeth G. Deleery Richards Rodriguez & Skeith Kathleen Ford Bay** Dallas Benenati Law Firm Shannon G. Guthrie Calloway, Norris, Burdette & Weber Mary Clariday Burdette* K&L Gates Kathryn G. Henkel Law Office of Barbara McComas Anderson Barbara McComas Anderson Shannon, Gracey, Ratliff & Miller Lisa H. Jamieson Smith & Stephens Marjorie J. Stephens Thompson & Knight Barbara B. Ferguson El Paso Hobson, Stribling & Carson Stancy Stribling**, Karin Armen Carson, Leila Safi Hobson Kemp Smith Amy S. Sanders Houston Andrews Kurth Terri Lacy** Anne Hardiman Anne Hardiman Baker Botts Paige K. Ben-Yaacov Baker Williams & Matthiesen Lynne H. Williams Betty B. Moser Betty B. Moser Crain, Caton & James Sarah Patel Pacheco** Davis & Willms Melissa Willms Dinkins Kelly Lenox Lamb & Walker Linda Kelly Farner & Perrin Wendy M. Farner Fizer Beck Webster Bentley & Scroggins Stefnee D. Ashlock, Kristi N. Elsom Locke Lord Stephanie Donaho Marjorie S. Schultz & Associates Marjorie S. Schultz Sharon B. Gardner Sharon Brand Gardner names in red indicate lawyers selected for 30 years
Winstead Stephanie Loomis-Price**, Cheryl Cain Crabbe Wright Abshire, Attorneys Molly Dear Abshire Ytterberg Deery Knull Yolanda Chavez Knull San Antonio Langley & Banack Joyce W. Moore* Norton Rose Fulbright Nancy Nowlin Kerr Schoenbaum, Curphy & Scanlan Patricia F. Sitchler Tyler Capshaw Green Tina R. Green
Water Law Austin Baker Botts Molly J. Cagle Graves, Dougherty, Hearon & Moody Robin A. Melvin Katten Muchin Rosenman Sara Marquis Burgin Sahs & Associates Mary K. Sahs Smiley Law Firm Cynthia C. Smiley
Houston Vinson & Elkins Sharon M. Mattox
Angela Pence England FAMILY LAW Angela Pence England, a founding shareholder of Tindall & England, P.C. was named one of Super Lawyer’s Top 50 Women Lawyers in Texas for the past two years. She assists clients with finding efficient and amicable solutions to their family law disputes with the goals of preserving economic resources and protecting family harmony. Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2000, Angela has experience in complex property disputes, custody matters, and premarital and marital property agreements. She litigates, collaborates, mediates, and arbitrates cases in all areas of family law. She is actively involved in local and statewide bar organizations and is a co-author of Sampson & Tindall’s Texas Family Code Annotated.
Tindall & England, P.C.
1300 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 1550 | Houston, Texas 77056 phone 713.622.8733 | fax 713.622.8744 email apengland@tindallengland.com
www.tindallengland.com
Kat Tidd FRANCHISE LAW Kat Tidd represents clients in all aspects of the highly regulated field of franchise and business opportunity law. She also assists other attorneys regarding franchise related matters. Kat is committed to adding value to her clients’ businesses. With over 25 years of experience both in private practice and as general counsel to franchisors and franchisees, she advises clients in almost every area of franchise, distribution, and business opportunity law, emphasizing start-up franchising, regulatory compliance and franchise document drafting, operations, and dispute evaluation and resolution. She works with clients to understand the dynamics of their business and situation, and the options for achieving their objectives in the simplest, most efficient way. A long standing member of the ABA Forum on Franchising, she frequently speaks and writes on franchise related issues in national and local bar associations, and for other publications.
Law Offices - Kat Tidd, P.C.
Two Lincoln Centre | 5420 LBJ Freeway, Suite 300 Dallas, TX 75240 phone 972.247.6934 | fax 972.247.7535 | email kat.tidd@gmail.com
www.tiddlaw.com
www.bestlawyers.com | 15
S p e c i aSpecial l A d vAdvertising e r t i s i n gSection Section
Left to right: Charla Bradshaw, Heather King, Sherri Evans, and Julie Crawford. Not pictured: Kristy Piazza Blanchard.
Photo by Jesse Hornbuckle
A
s one of the largest family law firms in the Southwest, KoonsFuller has the resources and experience to handle any family law case. Founded in 1978, the firm has grown to five offices, including 13 attorneys who are board certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and seven attorneys who are included in The Best Lawyers in America. “What makes KoonsFuller unique is that we operate as one firm, where every attorney has the firm’s entire resources available to them,” says Sherri Evans, who, along with Charla H. Bradshaw, Julie Crawford, Heather King, and Kristy Piazza Blanchard, is one of the five women Best Lawyers at the firm. Evans is the managing shareholder for the firm’s Houston office and the current chair of the State Bar of Texas’ Family Law Section. With 20 years of family law experience, she is uniquely qualified to litigate complex property cases and has represented many oil executives throughout her career. Bradshaw, the managing shareholder for the firm’s Denton office, also has more than 20 years of experience. As the owner of a cattle and equine
KoonsFuller, P.C. Uptown Dallas
1717 McKinney Avenue Suite 1500 | Dallas, TX 75202 phone 214.871.2727
www.koonsfuller.com
Denton
320 West Eagle Drive Suite 200 | Denton, TX76201 phone 940.442.6677
Houston
KoonsFuller, P.C.
ranch in Denton, Texas, she has extensive knowledge of the complexities that arise in farm and ranch divorces and often handles cases involving rural property issues. Crawford is also a shareholder at the firm and works out of the Plano office. She has 15 years of experience and frequently represents high-networth clients in complex cases involving businesses and land. Additionally, she has a particular focus on child custody and other child-related matters. King joined KoonsFuller in 2007 as a managing attorney for the firm’s Southlake office. She has 18 years of experience in family law and is known throughout the legal community as a top appellate attorney, though her practice is evenly divided between appellate and trial work. “At a firm our size, we’ve encountered every issue no matter how unusual,” King notes. “Our clients include many wealthy, high-profile individuals, so being able to call upon the firm’s broad resources in those complex, high-asset cases can make all the difference in the world.”
109 North Post Oak Lane Suite 425 | Houston, TX 77024 phone 713.789.5112
West Plano
5700 West Plano Parkway Suite 2200 | Plano, TX 75093 phone 972.769.2727
Southlake Town Square 181 Grand Avenue Suite 225 | Southlake, TX 76092 phone 817.481.2710