H Texas Top Lawyers 2019

ALASKAN INSPIRED CUISINE—HALIBUT IS ON THE MENU! ® ®

TE X A S HOUSTON’S PREMIERE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

F IGH T ING T HE S Y S T

E R U T N ADVE

S T I A AW NS IO T A IN T S E D G IN Z A 9 AM F OR YOUR NE X T T RIP

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ONE MOM’S B AT T L E F O R HER B A BIES T HE JURY IS IN:

S ’ N O T S U O H S R E Y W A L TOP

2019

A N C H O R S AWAY

A L O O K AT

HOUSTON ICON DAV E WA RDO’SK NE W BO

2019

2017

HOUSTON’S HOUSTON’S TOP DENTISTS DENTISTS

Table of Contents

®

TE X A S PUBLISHER Bambi Abernathy EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief Laurette M. Veres Senior Editor Tom Flynn Executive Editor Lynn Ashby Contributing Editor Warner Roberts Copy Editor Sue-Ella Mueller Food & Wine Editor Matthew Abernathy Contributing Writers Marisa L. Byers

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32 Vacay Yay! Pack your bags and book that window seat—your next vacation awaits.

48 Bringing Home Her Babies A look at one mother’s struggle with the Brazos County court system.

52 Anchors Away!—But Dave Ward is Still Around Lynn Ashby takes a look at Houston television icon Dave Ward’s new book.

57 Houston’s Top Lawyers 2019 Nominated by their peers and by you, here’s our list of the city’s best attorneys.

COLUMNS

16 Society The scoop on the latest charitable events around town.

20 Community Marie Myers, UiPath CFO, on balancing life; meet this year’s Billboard Bride, Lindsay.

Tom Flynn Adrian Quiroz Robin Villalobos ART Sr. Creative Director Rick McMillen Creative Director Miyu Hikaru SALES Advertising Director Matthew Abernathy CORPORATE President Bambi Abernathy Finance Manager Marna McMillen Consultant Rick McMillen

24 Beauty Our favorite moisturizers and cosmetics to keep your skin hydrated.

26 Fashion Yee-haw! Get your Texas on.

4 Editor’s Letter Editor-in-Chief Laurette Veres is all about Houston Astros baseball, travel and fine dining!

6 Inside Houston’s modern history can be divided into BH and AH—before Harvey and after Harvey.

8 Heart of Houston Birthday wishes to the honorable Joanne King Herring.

28 Spa We spa-hopped from Texas to Florida to Mexico to bring you three of our favorite and biggest spa experiences.

30 Destination A weekend escape to Dallas’s timeless Adolphus Hotel is a welcome revival of the lost art of service.

88 On the Menu

DEPARTMENTS

Memories and fresh halibut from a recent Alaskan cruise are shared with friends.

10 Health & Wellness How to plan a staycation; myth busting about eating and swimming safety; the truth about scale anxiety when dieting; why sleep is so important; think pink; heart disease and depression

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94 Eat Out A quest to find the best pho in Houston.

96 H Marks the Spot The Beer Can House.

H Texas magazine is published by 10403 Five Oaks Ct. Missouri City, TX 77459 832-886-1120 www.htexas.com

H Texas magazine, Issue #2, Volume 28, is published quarterly for a total of four issues for $18.95 per year by Bayou City Publishing, 10403 Five Oaks Ct, Missouri City TX 77459. Subscriptions $18.95 per year. Single copies $4.95 plus $3.00 postage and handling. All payments must be in US funds. Visa, MasterCard and Discover accepted.

The contents of this magazine may not be reprinted in any manner without permission from the publisher. Opinions of contributing authors do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Articles and photographs are welcome, but cannot be considered unless exclusive publishing rights are given, affording the publisher full ownership of content.

Publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy of unsolicited manuscripts and any material accepted is subject to possible revision at the discretion of the publisher. Please allow 6-8 weeks for an adderss change to take effect. H Texas is not responsible for missed issues due to an address change. www.htexas.com

POOL PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FOUR SEASONS RESORT LANAI; DESHAUN WATSON PHOTO COURTESY OF AFFL / ASSOCIATED PRESS

FEATURES

Texas based.

Global reach.

For more than 130 years, Jackson Walker has played a vital role in the growth and development of Texas business. We’re proud of our attorneys featured among the 2019 H Texas Top Lawyers of Houston, and we stand ready to help clients navigate today’s increasingly complex legal landscape.

Thad Armstrong Partner

Courtney T. Carlson Partner

Matthew D. Cavenaugh Partner

G. Scott Fiddler Partner

Elizabeth Carol Freeman Partner

Joel Glover Associate

Sabrina A. McTopy Partner

Kurt Nondorf Partner

Priya S. Coffey Partner

Dawn S. Holiday Partner

AUSTIN | DALLAS | FORT WORTH | HOUSTON | SAN ANGELO | SAN ANTONIO | TEXARKANA | JW.com

Editor’s Letter

All Who Wander

are not Lost

TOP TO BOTTOM: AMAZING INFINITY POOL AT THE

MARQUIS LOS CABOS IN MEXICO; A SNEAK PEEK AT

Editor-in-Chief Follow me @HTexas

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OUR STUNNING TABLE INSPIRED BY ALASKA FOR “ON THE MENU”

LAURETTE PHOTO BY ANA & IVAN PHOTOGRAPHY; OUTFIT PHOTO BY BIGSTOCK

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S I WRITE THIS LET TER THE HOUSTON ASTROS HAVE JUST CLINCHED THE AMERICAN LE AGUE WEST TITLE . Now it’s time to put some meaning into this season’s theme “Take It Back.” As the ‘Stros seek to earn another World Series Championship ring, we need some October reign, not rain flooding the streets of our great city, but continued dominance on the baseball diamond. WOOOO! If you’re not traveling with the team, then check out some of my new favorite destinations (beginning on page 32). From mountaintops to seaside, from domestic to international, we’re taking you places!

One of my favorite tasks at H Texas is creating On the Menu. Join us for a culinary remake of our summer Alaskan cruise (page 88). Our scrumptious dishes are enhanced by extraordinary décor created by the talented team at Rexberry Luxury Weddings and Events. They created the beautiful table scape with Alaskan flare. Their linens, with shades of silver and blue accents, are the perfect look for fall and winter special events.

Have a great fall, y’all!

Inside Still Water Boarding with Harvey

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OUSTON’S MODERN HISTORY CAN BE DIVIDED INTO BH AND AH—BEFORE HARVEY AND AF TER HARVEY. Those of you who just got off the United flight from Chicago may wonder why it’s still the big deal after all this time? Well, Pilgrim, consider the aftermath of a Category 4 storm that hit Texas on August 25, 2017, and hung around like a bad cold. Harvey: • was the most destructive hurricane ever to strike the U.S. • caused $190 billion in damage to infrastructure, more than Hurricane Katrina’s

by Lynn Ashby $160 billion price tag.

• closed 75 of HISD’s 275 schools.

• closed more than half of Texas’s chemical plants. (This had a rippling effect on the energy industry and other businesses.

Houston is the nation’s fourth largest city with 6.6 million residents in its metro area. If it were a country, it would be the world’s 23rd largest economy, larger than Poland or Sweden.)

• damaged 204,000 homes (including mine).

Three-fourths were outside of the 100-year flood plain.

• forced 39,000 people out of their homes and into shelters.

Our first clue that something was wrong was when the Houston Zoo’s animals lined up two by two. Houston received 24.83 inches of rain in only two days—a record. Harvey’s total rainfall concentrated over a 20,000-square-mile area represented nearly 19 times the daily discharge of the Mississippi River, by far the most of any tropical system ever recorded. In a four-day period, many areas received more than 40 inches of rain. A weather station near Nederland, about 10 miles north of Port Arthur, received 60.58 inches of rain.

Another weather station, about five miles to the southeast of Nederland near Groves, registered 60.54 inches. Both are records for the U.S. That wasn’t the worst LUCKIER, BUT NOT LUCKY of it. I mean, some of Those who weren’t flooded out by Harvey Houston’s streets will showed sympathy for the flood survivors, but flood in a heavy dew. sometimes it didn’t go down right. We have But good ol’ Harvey a small lake house where we stayed for nine just kept raining months as refugees. One Sunday my wife went and raining, causing to church and afterwards was visiting with damage and deaths. the priest and mentioned our situation. “Oh,” And we are he said, “you have a place to stay. Aren’t you still recovering. lucky?” My wife thought, but didn’t say, “Lucky?

Apparently others We’ve lost our house, a car, all our furniture and consider we have possessions, have no home in Houston. Call us already recovered, luckier, but don’t call us lucky!” and don’t need help.

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Almost daily the newspapers run stories about Harvey funds being considered, voted on, debated.

But show us the money! The Texas Legislature has always considered the state’s Rainy Day Fund off limits to spend. What, pray tell, constitutes a Rainy Day? Maybe more than 2 feet of rain in two days, and a new indoor swimming pool in your bedroom?

Our Rainy Day Fund will be $11.9 billion at the end of fiscal 2019, the largest of its kind in the nation.

It took 21 months after Harvey for the Legislature to approve $838 million to local matching funds.

Another $840 million would go towards grants and mapping. This is far less than a prior version of the bill, which would have drawn $3.26 billion from the Rainy Day Fund, but we’ll take it.

Congress has allocated federal funds, slowly.

To give you an idea of what we’re up against, U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, a Republican whose congressional district covers Central Texas, singlehandedly stopped a $19.1-billion emergency flood relief bill. The Senate had passed the bill in an 85-8 vote, and President Trump supported it. The aid package had nothing to do with Harvey, but included funding for flood relief for Roy’s own constituents. He held up the bill because it didn’t include any funds for Trump’s border wall. With that kind of support in Washington, it’s a wonder we get any help.

But, as the Monty Python Flying Circus cast sang in The Life Of Brian, “Always look on the bright side of life.” On the bright side, the hurricane showed the rest of the world that Houstonians can deal with adversity. After all, we survived Bud Adams and the Oilers, the West Loop at rush hour (1 a.m. to 12:59 p.m.), the destruction of AstroWorld and August afternoons in an elevator with people who don’t believe in deodorant. Harvey showed us that we can leave our house empty for weeks with relatively little vandalism and looting. Louisiana paid us back for our taking in 250,000 refugees after Katrina. (It is estimated that 40,000 of them stayed, giving us some great high school halfbacks and a slew of excellent chefs.) After Harvey, Louisiana sent the Cajun Navy. We’re even. Also, Houstonians learned not to build in 500-year flood plains, although it was noted, we had three 500year floods in three years. So the next flood should be in 3519. Never buy a house shown by a real estate agent who uses a glass-bottom boat. The next time you build a house, make sure there’s a large drain in the middle of the den. We now know that FEMA moves at glacial speed, although the glaciers are moving faster because they are smaller. H Ashby moves to ashby2@comcast.net.

Congratulations to Ian Faria, Cris Farrar, Mary Frazier, Nathan Graham and Jay Bender on being named to the list of Houston’s Top Lawyers 2019 At Bradley, our attorneys understand that legal matters are more than contests of critical thought; they have real-world implications, which is why we prioritize integrity. It is this integrity that inspires all of us to go above and beyond our clients’ expectations by striving to provide innovative solutions, dependable responsiveness and a deep commitment to success.

For more information on how we can serve you from our Houston office, visit www.bradley.com or contact Ian Faria, ifaria@bradley.com, 713.576.0302

bradley.com | ALABAMA | FLORIDA | MISSISSIPPI | NORTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | WASHINGTON, D.C. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Contact: Ian Faria, Esq., 713.576.0302, ifaria@bradley.com, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, 600 Travis Street, Suite 4800, Houston, TX 77002. Principal office location Birmingham, AL. ©2019

Heart of Houston Happy Birthday to the Honorable

Joanne King Herring

by Warner Roberts

A LITTLE BACK STORY… Joanne was born in Houston. She went to the University of Texas 8

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briefly but left to marry real estate developer, Robert King. When that marriage faded, Joanne was a single mother of two sons until she found her soulmate in millionaire oilman, Robert Herring. They entertained his associates in the oil business and her acquaintances, kings, queens, politicians and heads of state.

Joanne became a part of the Houston social scene, hosting lavish parties and a very popular daytime television talk show, The Joanne King Show. It was her international travels that thrust her into the political arena. She became well known for her long association and political relationship with the President of Pakistan, Zia-ulHag, becoming the honorary consul general and adviser to him and consul general to the King of Morocco simultaneously.

She is the only woman in history to be a double consul.

During the 1980s, Joanne became alarmed that Russia was planning to invade and dominate Afghanistan. It was Robin King who risked going underground in Afghanistan to produce the film that convinced U.S. Representative, Charlie Wilson, Bill Casey of the CIA and the American Congress to fund, train and arm the Mujahideen resistance fighters war against the Russians.

These events inspired the book, Charlie Wilson’s War: The Extraordinary Story of the Largest Covert Operation in History. In the 2007 film, Charlie Wilson’s War, Joanne is portrayed by actress, Julia Roberts.

Her book, Diplomacy and Diamonds: My Wars from the Ballroom to the Battlefield, was released in 2011 and made five best seller lists.

She is constantly asked

to make speeches or to be honored by a myriad of charitable organizations; she accommodates as often as possible.

Here are but a few of the awards Joanne has received: • The Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge Award in the 1960s • Knighted by the King of Belgium in the 1970s • Made roaming Ambassador of Pakistan in the 1980s and received the Tamgha-eQuaid-e-Azam, the highest honor given by the nation of Pakistan • Made a Dame in Order of St. Francis in 2011 • Inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in 2014 • Nominated for the Congressional Gold Medal— the civilian equivalent of the Congressional Medal of Honor 2016 Joanne has been referred to as: The Dame, The Knight, The Ambassador, Socialite, Hostess, Author, Television Personality, Businesswoman, Political Activist, Diplomat, Philanthropist. I throw in the title of “Mother” as she thrives on her sons and grandchildren. I am proud to call her a Houston Treasure and a friend. Happy Birthday, Joanne! H Have you done something good for somebody today?

HERRING PHOTO BY EVIN THAYER

C

ELEBR ATING HER 90TH BIRTHDAY, JOANNE KING HERRING IS PROBABLY AS BUSY NOW AS SHE HAS EVER BEEN IN HER LIFE . And, I think we can agree that she has been pretty busy her entire life. A look at her schedule gives us a glimpse of what life is like for her.

She is currently “obsessed” with finding the “cause and cure” for human trafficking and is working with Governor Greg Abbott to plan a summit on the subject.

There are several major birthday celebrations planned in her honor: • The Queen of the Netherlands has insisted that she attend an event in New York City.

• A general has just informed her that a major hall at Fort Bragg will be named in her honor.

• Her work on the Marshall Plan Charities, which she founded in 2009, is continuous.

The purpose of MPC is to support the ongoing U.S. military effort in Afghanistan by redeveloping healthy civilian life in hopes of providing villages with clean water, food, healthcare, schools and jobs. The village Joanne helped start is successful and thriving in Western Afghanistan.

• Another major movie company has approached her about a second movie.

DO DENTAL IMPLANTS LOOK NATUR AL?

When it comes to replacing a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, dental implants can provide the most natural-looking results. Implant-anchored ceramic restorations, including crowns, bridges, or dentures, are fully customized to blend beautifully with your surrounding teeth. Because they are secured in the jawbone, dental implants feel and function much like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Dr. Fawcett integrates CEREC® and GALILEOS® 3D technology for precise surgical planning and full implant design, which helps him to consistently achieve superior outcomes for his patients.

ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS RIGHT FOR ME?

If you are missing one tooth, several teeth, or even all of your teeth, dental implants may be able to provide you with the freedom, confidence, and outstanding smile aesthetics that so many of our patients already enjoy.

During a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Fawcett, you can find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants. He will perform a full oral examination to establish the status of your dental health and review your medical history to determine if dental implants are the best tooth replacement option for you.

WHY CHOOSE DR. FAWCETT FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

In addition to his many impressive credentials, Dr. Fawcett has received extensive training specifically in dental implants. His knowledge and valuable experience allow him to plan and perform every stage of the procedure—including placing implants and creating/ securing final restorations—all within our office using the most advanced technology available. This process is not only convenient and efficient, it helps improve precision,

ACCREDITED BUSINESS

HOUSTON’S HOUSTON’S TOP DENTISTS TOP

2018 2019

Dr. Fawcett has been providing a wide range of services in general dentistry in his hometown for more than 34 years, with a special focus on cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and full smile makeovers.

13956 Cutten Road • Houston, TX 77069 281-440-6648

www.DrFawcett.com

predictability and quality from start to finish.

From porcelain veneers and dental implants to periodontal care, All-on-4 (“teeth-in-a-day”), and complex full mouth rehabilitation cases, Dr. Fawcett utilizes his expertise in combination with innovative technology and superior materials to create healthy, beautiful smiles for his patients. His attention to detail and dedication to quality are evident in the custom treatment plans he designs to meet the unique dental needs and cosmetic goals of each individual.

BEST OF 2017

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Health

Staycation T Plan a Healthy

IME OFF, BUT NO PL ANS FOR A GETAWAY ? A vacation at home can be every bit as fun and rejuvenating as a week at a spa, beach or exciting world capital. “Figure out how you want to feel at the end of your break and then make some loose plans that will help you generate those feelings,” advises Jennifer Dene, a health coach and creator of jenniferdenewellness.com. Here, how to plan a break that will leave you feeling energized and renewed.

SET A GOAL. “I recommend making a list of activities that you might like to do,” she says. “If you want to feel healthier, you can plan to take a brisk walk after breakfast each morning and cook a wholesome dinner each evening. Or perhaps you’d like to be more social, so make some fun plans with friends, such as going for a hike or organizing a picnic—anything

WANT TO GET AWAY? Check out "Vacay Yay” for 5 amazing destination vacations on page 32.

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out of the ordinary will make it feel more fun.” One caveat: Don’t overschedule yourself: “Fun obligations are still obligations,” she notes.

GET ORGANIZED. “You want to spend your time on meaningful— rather than menial experiences,” she notes. “That means getting up-to-date on laundry, grocery shopping and house-

cleaning—just like you would for a vacation.”

DO A DIGITAL DETOX. “This prevents your time from being eaten up by your phone or computer. At a minimum, delete your social media apps so you can focus on living your life rather than worrying about how other people are living theirs.”

TRY A NEW ACTIVITY. “Doing new things is what makes a staycation different from a regular weekend,” Dene points out. “If you’re a nature lover, go hiking in Sam Houston National Forest, take a horseback riding lesson or try kayaking down Buffalo Bayou. Or sign up for an interesting exercise

class like aerial yoga or treat yourself to a private Pilates session.”

EAT HEALTHY. Balance out (mostly) good-for-you meals with a few “flex meals” of the foods you love the most. “But do try to limit these to just one meal a day,” she recommends.

TREAT YOURSELF. That could mean a massage or a facial, if that’s a favorite indulgence, or going to a play or a special restaurant. “What’s most important is that you think about how you want to spend your time and not feel obligated to do things that sound nice but aren't really you,” Dene says.

–Anne Marie O’Connor

S AV O R I N G

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YEARS IN OUR PRIME T H E R E A R E M A N Y R E A S O N S T O C E L E B R AT E .

O U R FAVO R I T E I S YO U .

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille began as a humble butcher shop in 1979, and has grown into an award-winning Rare and Well Done® dining experience with tableside presentations, flaming desserts, Bar 79, and more. We want to thank our loyal customers, the heart of our business, for 40 incredible years and counting.

JOIN US INSIDE THE LOOP AT OUR NEW RIVER OAKS LOCATION! 1997 WEST GRAY Celebrate with us. Sip a modern take on an iconic ‘70s cocktail, win Pork Chop Friday Lunch for a year or raise a commemorative wine glass for a toast.

BAYBROOK • CHAMPIONS • KATY • MEMORIAL CITY • RIVER OAKS • SUGAR LAND • THE WOODLANDS PerrysSteakhouse.com TRAVEL ISSUE 2019

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Health

Q.

Do you really have to wait an hour after eating to go swimming?

A.

As children. we were warned to wait an hour after eating before jumping in the water or we might get a cramp and drown, a scary thought as we sat patiently watching the clock until we could go back in the ocean, lake or pool. But the reality is that when it comes to recreational swimming, there is no scientific evidence to back up this claim and in fact, it poses very little danger.

If you’re in training or planning on swimming vigorously for exercise, however, you may want to heed your mother’s advice—your body does need time to digest, which diverts blood and oxygen away from your muscles and could actually result in cramping. While this probably won’t be a problem if you’re paddling around a pool on a noodle, if you’re in open water, vigorous swimming immediately after eating could be a major problem.

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Plus, it’s uncomfortable to work out on a full stomach.

So plan ahead. Fueling for your workout is important, but ideally you want to eat two to three hours beforehand, with a meal comprised of high-quality carbs, lean protein and a small amount of healthy fats, for instance, avocado on whole grain toast; wild salmon or chicken with a side of broccoli or a leafy green salad and whole grains (farro, quinoa). If time is an issue, opt for a quick meal 45 minutes to one hour before your swim, to give you the quick energy you need for that extra lap. Some good choices: a banana or apple with nut butter; oatmeal with low-fat milk and berries; Greek yogurt with a tablespoon of granola or a smoothie or energy bar…and don’t forget the sunscreen! —Leslie Dantchik

Q.

What’s the difference between losing weight from fat and losing water weight?

A.

The scale can be a great source of anxiety when dieting, as most people view it as the arbiter of success or failure. But that number may not necessarily be telling you the whole story. One of the best ways to know if you’re losing water or fat is time. Generally, water weight is lost relatively quickly, while fat loss occurs at a slower pace, the result of a calorie deficit and increased activity.

A diet high in processed carbs, sugar and salt contributes to excess water retention.

Carbohydrates hold three times as much water as fat or protein and are stored as glycogen in the muscles and liver. Typically, low-carb and ketogenic diets, such as the Paleo, keto, Atkins and South Beach drastically cut carbohydrate intake, particularly in the initial stages. When carb consumption decreases, the body uses the stored glycogen for energy; because the water those carbs were holding onto is also lost, dieters often see a dramatically lower number on the scale

after the first week or two. Intensive exercise, lowsodium diets and certain supplements can also factor into water weight loss.

Keep in mind, however, that the amount of water we retain or lose can fluctuate daily, depending on a number of factors, including age, gender, activity level, climate and diet. It sounds counterintuitive, but proper hydration is a good way to keep water weight stable; our bodies are comprised of 50 to 60 percent water, and it’s necessary for keeping our bodies running smoothly, from regulating temperature, aiding in digestion and protecting our joints.

Even though low-carb diets can be good for quick weight loss, it’s best not to go overboard on the high-fat bacon and brie. For long-term success, make sure you’re still eating lots of fruits and vegetables as well as lean protein, low-fat dairy and yes, even fiber-rich whole grains. Also drink plenty of water, get sufficient sleep and regular exercise that includes both cardio and strength training. —L.D.

The more physical activity you get during the day, the better you’ll sleep at night, according to a study by the Sleep Research Society.

It found that women who got between 7.5 to 17.5 hours of exercise per week were more likely to sleep more than six hours.

Another bonus: More shut-eye is associated with a lower BMI. TRAVEL ISSUE 2019

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Health Think Pink!

These hot items, designed in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, not only make you look good, but also help support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

A. LOKAI BREAST CANCER RESEARCH BRACELET IN SWIRL

Each bracelet features a bead infused with water from Mt. Everest and another that contains mud from the Dead Sea, to symbolize balance ($18; lokai.com; donation to BCRF: $1 for each bracelet sold).

B. S’WELL BIKINI PINK BOTTLE

These 17-ounce, stainless steel and BPA-free water bottles keep liquids cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 ($35; swellbottle.com; donation to BCRF: 20 percent of the retail price).

C. MANTRABAND STAY STRONG CHARITY BAND

Mantras can be a helpful tool for positive thinking, so this plated, stainless steel bracelet comes engraved with a powerful message ($25; mantraband.com; donation to BCRF: $5 for each band sold).

D. DANSKIN X BCRF FANNY PACK

People with heart disease are more likely to suffer from depression, and vice versa, according to scientists at the University of Cambridge.

Inflammation caused by stress was cited as the cause of both.

Compact and sporty, this fanny pack can stash all your essentials while you’re on the go ($20; bcrfshoppink.org; donation to BCRF: $10,000 annually, regardless of sales).

B.

A.

C.

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D.

“ Everything was always very tidy.

Then my family noticed how disorganized I had become.”

—Theresa, living with Alzheimer’s

When something feels different, it could be Alzheimer’s.

Now is the time to talk.

Visit

alz.org/ourstories to learn more

TRAVEL ISSUE 2019

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Society The Big Brunch Raises $225,000 to Help Fight Poverty

Surprise Wedding at Ars Lyrica Houston Gala Ars Lyrica Houston surpassed its previous fundraising record at its magical loved-themed A Mid-Winter Night’s Dream Gala—which also included a surprise wedding! Gala proceeds support Ars Lyrica’s biennial Baroque opera productions. Guests were swept away with the biggest surprise of the evening as gala chair Stephanie von Stein entered from the back of the ballroom in a white gown, walked down the aisle and exchanged vows with Dr. Mark A. Schusterman.

TOP TO BOTTOM: CHAIR JOY WINKLER CHAPMAN,

YELENA GRININA, CHAIR TRACY FAULKNER AND

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TOP TO BOTTOM: GUESTS AT THE MID-WINTER

RACHEL FISCHER; CHEF CHAIR DAVID CORDUA WITH

NIGHT’S DREAM GALA; EVENT CHAIR STEPHANIE VON

SUSANNAH AND CHRIS WATT; PAUL DEWEY, RASHENA

STEIN AND DR. MARK A. SCHUSTERMAN CUT THE CAKE

FLAGG, EMCEE LISA HERNANDEZ AND ALYSSA PURCELL

WEDDING PHOTOS COURTESY OF MID-WINTER NIGHT’S DREAM GALA; BIG BRUNCH PHOTOS BY CHARLES DANTE PHOTOGRAPHY

Children at Risk and Attack Poverty kicked off spring with The Big Brunch–A Bridge to the Future. Chaired by Tracy and Harry Faulkner, Joy Winkler Chapman, Theresa Hildreth, Fallon Huff, Carie Lawson, and Chef Chair David Cordúa, guests were treated to the most stylish brunch party of the year, including an epic food throw down, featuring the trendiest tastes and hottest chefs in H-Town, emceed by KHOU-11 Anchor Lisa Hernandez. Over 400 Houstonians complemented their outfits with hats for the annual hat competition, all in support of the two organizations.

Houston Rockets Superstar Launches CC15 Foundation and Raises $215,000 Clint Capela, NBA superstar launched his foundation, CC15, with a mission to help the Houston community, and raised $215,000 to benefit low-income, single-parent families in the area. Attendees were able to meet and talk with Capela, as well as teammates Austin Rivers, PJ Tucker, James Harden and Chris Paul.

Guests then made their way to the ballroom where Capela and his teammates kicked off the program and auctioned off signed jerseys.

Houston Rockets announcer Matt Thomas served as the emcee and interviewed Capela about his background and why he started the foundation.

—Kathryn Paden

LEFT TO RIGHT: JAMES HARDEN, AUSTIN RIVERS, CC15 FOUNDER CLINT CAPELA, CHRIS

PAUL AND JOHN LUCAS II

CC15 PHOTO BY LEE BECKMANN; DASH PHOTOS BY GRAY MOORE

Houstonians Got Dashed at Spring Market Preview Party Founded by four entrepreneurial-minded women, DASH (Design-Art-Style-Home), Houston’s foremost home décor and gift market, brings together a collection of local and national dealers biannually to give Houstonians an opportunity to discover a comprehensive selection of home décor, furniture, art and gifts. Guests dashed over to Silver Street Studios for the First DASH Preview Party to kick off the highly anticipated DASH Spring Market. The DASH co-founders popped champagne as partygoers arrived and were welcomed by a vibrant display of balloons created

by Margaret Dodd of Festivities TX. Guests had the chance to enter a raffle to win a champagne brunch in the Laurier Blanc gallery with Raven Grill and Picnic, an oversized hand-blown Belgian champagne cooler and set of vintage champagne coupes, plus bid on various home décor items in the silent auction. The event benefited Dwell with Dignity, an organization dedicated to creating soothing and inspiring homes for families struggling with homelessness and poverty. —K.P. TOP TO BOTTOM: PROCEEDS BENEFITTED DWELL WITH

DIGNITY; DASH CO-FOUNDERS VANESSA SENDUKAS, MICHELLE MARESH, LISA ERWIN AND ANGELA POUJOL; MADISON FORD, KELLEY EUBANKS AND PAT FORD TRAVEL ISSUE 2019

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Society Houston’s chicest boutiques put everything on sale to benefit The University of Texas MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital. The weekend kicked off with a private pre-SALE Breakfast & Bubbly event for upper-level underwriters emceed by Nan Kelley, a Delta Delta Delta alumna and a longtime host of the Top 20 Countdown and Opry Live as well as a regular on Discovery’s network, Great American Country (GAC). Kelley introduced three doctors, Dr. Richard Gorlick, Dr. Branko Cuglievan and Delta Delta Delta alumna and former pediatric cancer patient, Dr. Zsila Sadighi. The doctors spoke to their research and how the SALE impacts their mission to save lives here in Houston and beyond. The ticketed event began with champagne shopping on Saturday morning followed by Sunday Funday, which featured a panel with some of Houston’s most influential ladies including Caroline Harper Knapp of House of Harper, Estela Cockrell of Switch2Pure, and Marla Murphy of The Blonde Pantry. These fabulous entrepreneurs shared their business stories, advice for starting a business and tips on how to be the best version of you in 2019.

The icing on the cake is that the proceeds from this “shop to cure childhood cancer” event are used to fund pediatric cancer research at The University of Texas MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital. Over the past five years, the SALE has raised over $1 million for pediatric cancer research in Houston. —K.P.

JDRF Hosted 2019 Cultivation Event in Preparation of 20th Anniversary Ball JDRF Houston Gulf Coast Chapter’s biggest supporters joined the organization on the 11th floor at Houston’s chic Hotel ZaZa Museum District for the annual Fund A Cure Cultivation Event, a night of cocktails, food, research updates and a glimpse into the upcoming 20th Anniversary JDRF Platinum Promise Ball.

A selective guest list of some of Houston’s leading philanthropists came together to enjoy the exclusive opportunity to mingle with Aaron J. Kowalski, PhD, JDRF Chief Mission Officer.

Kowalski shared exciting new research updates preceding the 20th Anniversary JDRF Platinum Promise Ball all while overlooking the sunset next to the Texas Medical Center, where some of this research occurs. After opening remarks by JDRF Houston Gulf Coast Chapter Executive Director, Rick Byrd, and Board President, Liz Lay Vittor, Kowalski spoke about technology, advancements and how JDRF is improving the lives of those with type 1 diabetes and, as a result, their families as well. To round off the evening, the Fund A Cure Chair, Ernest R. Hunter II, gave an inspiring speech that emphasized the importance of funding, particularly with Fund A Cure where 100 percent of the donations go directly to JDRF research, the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes research. —K.P. TOP TO BOTTOM: JDRF CHIEF MISSION OFFICER,

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ABOVE: THE SALE TEAM RAISED FUNDS FOR PEDIATRIC

AARON J. KOWALSKI; FUND A CURE CHAIR, ERNEST R.

CANCER RESEARCH

HUNTER III

SALE PHOTO BY PRISCILLA DICKSON; JDRF PHOTOS BY DANIEL ORTIZ; THE WOMEN’S RESOURCE PHOTOS BY NIKKI ROSENBERG

Houston Tri Delta Alumnae Presented The Sale, The Ultimate Shopping Experience

Over $300,000 Raised to Support Financial Literacy in Houston

For the 28th consecutive year, the Houston community came together to support The Women’s Resource’s life changing financial literacy programs for area women and girls. In the spirit of Financial Literacy Month, business and community leaders gathered to raise over $300,000 for the organization. The funds make up 40 percent of the organization’s annual budget and will go directly to support the almost 3,000 women and girls they serve in the Greater Houston area every year.

The luncheon, which took place at the Westin Galleria, was chaired by top commercial real estate executive, Edna Meyer-Nelson, and featured keynote speaker, Judy Smith, the inspiration for the hit TV show Scandal. Mistress of Ceremonies Linda Lorelle welcomed more than 600 friends of The Women’s Resource. The Women’s Resource distributed the Outstanding Women in Banking and Finance Award to six of Houston’s top women in the field. The award recognizes the skills, savvy and expertise of women who have made considerable contributions to the fields of banking and finance and is the only award of its kind in Houston.

“We are honored to have such broad reaching community support for our programs,” said Christine Powell, executive director of The Women’s Resource. “Thanks to the funds raised by this luncheon, we will be able to continue to grow our programs and put more women in our community on a path toward economic security and success. I know firsthand how taking control of your finances gives a woman control over her future. As I go out and visit our programs, I can feel the tangible sense of relief in the room as women learn to pull themselves out of debt and repair their credit—crucial lessons that will help both the women we serve and the families they care for.” —K.P.

TOP ROW: ROSINE

MATTHEWS WITH CHRISTINE POWELL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE WOMEN’S RESOURCE BOTTOM ROW: LAURETTE

M. VERES, KEYNOTE SPEAKER JUDY SMITH AND VICKI HERNANDEZ; EVENT CHAIR EDNA MEYER-NELSON WITH LINDA LORELLE, MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES

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Community

ONE STEP AHEAD

H Texas sat down with UiPath CFO Marie Myers to discuss robotic process automation, artificial intelligence and how she manages to balance her executive leadership role with motherhood.

M

ARIE MYERS IS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF UIPATH, THE FASTEST GROWING AND LE ADING PROVIDER OF ROBOTIC PROCESS AUTOMATION (RPA) AND AI SOF T WARE WORLDWIDE . In this role, she provides the financial leadership to support the company’s global mission to accelerate the adoption of automation across public and private sectors and businesses of all sizes.

Prior to joining UiPath, Marie served as global controller for HP Inc. where she oversaw compliance and controls as well as the integrity of the financial statements in all countries where HP operates. Her responsibilities included ensuring financial compliance and operational excellence, accelerating profitable growth and cultivating a culture of innovation.

She spearheaded the Finance of the Future initiative, guiding the organization to adopt emerging, disruptive technologies—such as RPA and artificial intelligence—to modernize financial processes and become a well-known thought leader in the digitization of finance. Her work recently earned the recognition of the Hackett Group’s 2018 Digital Awards for Smart Automation, International Data Group’s (IDG) 2019 CSO 50 Award for data security and IDG’s 2019 Digital Edge 50 Award for driving innovation.

Marie earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. She also earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas, Houston.

Marie serves on the Board of Directors of F5 Networks, a global company that specializes in cloud and security application services. She founded the Anti-Gray Market Alliance Board and is its president emeritus. She's also a passionate advocate for diversity and education and serves on

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the boards of the University of St. Thomas Advisory in Houston, the Girlstart Council for Houston, and the University of Queensland in America, Inc. Marie has been recognized by Women in Computing and was named to the Top 40 under 40 in Finance. She was also chosen as one of the Top 20 Most Powerful Business Women in Texas and was recognized by the University of Queensland as its Alumna of the Year. In 2017, she was named HP’s Working Mother of the Year, and in 2018 was selected for Texas Executive Women on the Move and one of the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston.

5 MINUTES WITH MARIE H TEXAS: Describe your latest venture.

MARIE: A few years ago, following the separation of HP, I needed to find ways as HP Inc.’s global controller for our finance function to become more efficient, effective and reduce risk. I learned about, and quickly saw the value of, robotic process automation (RPA) in improving business processes. I’ve always loved technology and saw that through automation, we could make a real difference and help shape the future of work.

I became a passionate advocate of the power of digital transformation and one of the earliest adopters of RPA in finance.

RPA is a fairly new, emerging technology. It is the use of software with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to handle highvolume, repeatable tasks. Using robots enables organizations to streamline processes and increase employee productivity. UiPath, the fastest growing and leading provider of RPA and AI software worldwide, was our partner in deploying more than 300 robots.

In January, I was pleased to accept the role as chief financial officer (CFO) for UiPath. As CFO, I’m

charged with not only managing the company’s finances, but also helping extend its reach into new markets by evangelizing the benefits of RPA and supporting UiPath’s mission to arm every person with one robot.

Here, I am able to share my enthusiasm and passion for RPA. It’s an incredible opportunity to help the company meet the skyrocketing demand for RPA. I know from experience as a senior finance executive at HP, and a former customer of UiPath, how digital technology can deliver real value within an enterprise. I am excited to be part of the team that is ushering in the ‘Automation First’ era, giving organizations across the globe the technology and support to help them transform their operations and free employees to do more value-added work.

H TEXAS: How do you balance work and motherhood?

MARIE: Being a working mother can sometimes be a tough gig. I’ve seen some of my friends turn down senior positions because they had children.

I’ve had to make some hard choices in my own career journey.

Like many working moms, I know first-hand the rewards, demands and challenges of nurturing family and career. At home, I am “mum” to 11-yearold Clara and seven-year-old twins, Cecilia and Christopher. There, mum is about hugs, reading bed-time stories and making sure my family eats healthy meals.

One of the things I like to highlight as a working mother is the importance of shared parental responsibility. A wife and children need their husband and dad, and vice versa. My husband Christian and I decide together how to split family responsibilities.

We trade off the day-to-day household must-do’s, along with what it takes to raise our children. In our household, it’s “divide and conquer.”

One of my inspirations, as a mother and a leader, comes from my own mom who taught me to always, “Bring your whole self to all you do.”

My father has also been an incredible influence as he was always so pragmatic and full of integrity, instilling in us that success is 99 percent perspiration and 1 percent inspiration.

Being a working mom comes down to one of my favorite terms—GSD—get stuff done! I live this every day to balance my work role with being a wife and mom, navigating through professional and personal obstacles along the way. Every working mother I know sometimes feels a little “guilt” that they can’t always be at every function or event with their families.

It’s important to make the moments you can spend with them count, and don’t count the moments you can’t. While you may not be able to go to everything, when you are with your children, be present, pay attention and don’t be distracted.

out of opportunities just because you have kids.

Your family needs you as a role model. Making career decisions are essential in setting important examples for your family, as well as in advancing professional and personal growth.

Another piece of advice to working moms, if you need help, get it. Create an extended support system with family and friends and enlist other help if necessary. I also want to emphasize the importance of carving out some “me time.”

OPPOSITE PAGE: MARIE

MYERS, THE CFO OF UIPATH BELOW: MARIE AT A

RECENT UIPATH OPEN HOUSE EVENT

H TEXAS: How do you suggest people keep up with technological changes?

MARIE: Technology is driving major changes, affecting nearly every aspect of our world at breakneck speed. Traditional tools and manual tasks are being transformed by automation, enabling informed, data-driven decisions in a fraction of the time.

These changes impact the very essence of the work we do and how we do it. It also compels each of us to develop new skills to prepare for the future.

None of us can afford to be stagnant —we must develop a growth mindset, embrace innovation and seize opportunities to venture into new directions.

Learning and innovation go hand in hand.

Each of us need to make time to learn and also be intellectually curious. This is not limited to just keeping up with technological changes. To grow personally and professionally every day, we all need to dedicate time to learn. Literally—put it on your calendar if you need to. Because when we learn, we can accomplish our goals.

Understanding the role technology plays is key to opening the door to advancement. This brings me back to RPA, and how it is fundamentally changing how we work. Reinvent yourselves and embrace the future! H

One of my inspirations, as a mother and a leader, comes from my own mom who taught me to always, “Bring your whole self to all you do.”

H TEXAS: What is your advice to working mothers?

MARIE: I advise other working mothers to stand up and be proud. Every working mom must decide what’s right for themselves, but you shouldn’t opt TRAVEL ISSUE 2019

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Community

Love

on Film Lindsay and Seth prepare for an eclectic wedding.

by Laurette M. Veres

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W

HEN LINDSAY AND HER SISTER DROVE TO L AKE CHARLES TO SEE A BAND, SHE HAD NO IDE A SHE WAS ABOUT TO MEET HER FUTURE HUSBAND. Sometime during the show, Seth would introduce himself to the girls.

He later direct messaged her via Facebook to ask her out. Their first date was at Dave & Busters and they instantly hit it off. “We had the best time playing air hockey, shooting zombies and getting to know each other. It was like I had always known him, and we just instantly clicked,” said Lindsay.

Although they had met more than 100 miles away from their respective home towns, they found out they had grown up in close proximity to each other. She grew up in Hardin and he grew up eight miles away in Liberty. Five years of dating brought new jobs, new apartments, and adopting their fur baby Romy through BARC. In January, they spontaneously decided to go have fun in Austin. Seth made sure they were listening to music she liked and he filmed snippets of Lindsay in the car. He's really into photography and wanted to stop at McKinney Falls State Park to take some nature pictures.

It started raining, construction workers were working near the waterfall, and there was a loud

group of kids on a field trip. Yet, they found a secluded spot to stop and take pictures. He set up his camera on a rock so he could get a shot of the two of them together; little did she know, he had set the camera to record. He pretended to show her a picture he had taken and the camera screen said, “Marry Me?” He got down on both knees and pulled out a custom-made ring.

“The way it happened was so perfect to me.

Just us, our dog, a beautiful setting, not overthe top, and he secretly got it on video,” she says.

They celebrated in Austin where Lindsay said the word “fiancé” to anyone who would listen.

This relatable bride is a native Houstonian and represents today’s modern bride. She's on a budget, and works hard to reflect her personality through her wedding planning choices.

Their venue is at Avant Garden, a unique boho venue in Montrose.

Her ring is from Eklektic Jewelry Studio and they plan to attend a wedding band class and make each other’s rings. She can’t wait for her family and friends to see her on billboards throughout Houston as she represents the Bridal Extravaganza.

Make plans to attend the Bridal Extravaganza January 4-5, 2020. Discover a two-day wedding wonderland and plan the wedding of your dreams. H

He pretended to show her a picture he had taken and the camera screen said, “Marry Me?” He got down on both knees and pulled out a custom-made ring.

GET THIS LOOK: Gown: Ventura’s Bridal Fashions Hair & Makeup: Simple Beauty Artistry Photography: Ivan Garcia Studios Bouquet: Blooms Design Studio Venue: The Bowery House

LEFT TO RIGHT: SETH

WORKING ON LINDSAY’S CUSTOM RING; THE

COURTESY PHOTOS

COUPLE AFTER THE PROPOSAL; THE CAMERA SCREEN THAT POPPED THE QUESTION

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Beauty

Travel, especially to drier climates, can take a toll on your skin. Here are our favorite moisturizers that will help give you that picture-perfect plump face that’s “Instaworthy” for all your vacation photos!

A. Firm and hydrate your face, neck, arms and knees with the Crepe Erase 2-Step Advanced Body Treatment System. This breakthrough blend of essential phytonutrients and naturally derived extracts—apple, dill and sage—will prep and exfoliate in just two minutes with this simple to use twoproduct, two-step system for firmer, smoother and healthier skin ($54; ulta.com).

B. Whish Pomegranate Body Butter is a fully-loaded, organic shea butter lotion that moisturizes, firms and purifies ($18; whishbody.com).

This is a true treat for your entire body.

C. Use daily for firm, resilient skin as the pomegranate defends against free radicals and helps to slow down the 24

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aging process with retinol that fades dark spots with Paula’s Choice Clinical Ceramide Enriched Firming Moisturizer ($58; paulaschoice.com).

D. Along with ingredients of cranberry and pomegranate this highly nutritious mask, Eminence Organic Skin Care Cranberry Pomegranate Masque, containing vitamin C, flax seed, sunflower seed and sesame oil—it’s like food for your face ($54; eminenceorganics.com).

E. Hydrance Aqua-Gel is an allin-one hydration powerhouse that can be used as a day cream, an overnight mask and an eye cream. Bonus: this product is paraben free and hypoallergenic ($36; aveneusa.com).

F. Even skin tone, contour and highlight with the multi-tasking MAC Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick to create a perfect canvas for makeup with buildable coverage ($31; maccosmetics.com).

G. Lips need nourishment too.

MAC Love Me Lipstick, a weightless argan oil-infused lipstick, comes in 24 vivid, full-coverage colors that delivers a hit of powerful color in just one swipe and provides all-day moisture in a luxurious satin-soft finish ($19; maccosmetics.com).

—Carla Menendez

A

B

D C G E F TRAVEL ISSUE 2019

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Fashion

Yee-Ha w!

Get Your Texas On

With fashion inspired by nature from Houston to Marfa, we’re showcasing our state’s natural wonders. Southwestern fashions may be trending throughout social media and becoming mainstream, but on Texans, it holds strength and history inspired by the terrain. So button up your shirt, shove on those boots and take your adventure into all that Texas has to offer.

FOR WOMEN SHIRT DRESS Baum Und Pferdgarten Amira Dress; $579, baumundpferdgarten.com. HAT Jeanne Simmons Wool Felt Bolero Hat with Chin Chord; $49, hatsunlimited.com. EAR CUFF Astrid and Miyu Horseshoe Ear Cuff in Gold; $49, astridandmiyu.us. COAT Common Leisure Dream Oversized Shearling Coat; $4,930, modaoperandi.com.

BAG Chloé Small Aby Lock Bag; $1,690, intermixonline.com. BRACELET Idyllwind Women’s Thunderbird Leather Bracelet; $28, sheplers.com. BOOTS ASOS Design Elliot Western Boots; $56, asos.com. JOURNAL Elkton Embossed Leather Journal; $24, packretro.com.

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Case Closed

STYLE TIP

Our picks for suitcases have serious style appeal and come packed with functional features.

To keep your western wear from looking like a costume, keep your key pieces understated and focus on textures that ring western like shearling, leather and suede.

FOR WEEKEND GETAWAYS: MAHI The Columbus Deep Weekender Equipped with a detachable shoulder strap, this easy-to-carry bag can hold a lot more than it looks with a full length side compartment and small inside zip pocket. Each bag is made-to-order from soft cow skin ($187; mahileather.com).

FOR CROSS-COUNTRY ROAD TRIPS: Calpak Trnk 2-Piece Luggage Set This set is covered in faux crocodile leather with a hard-shell and expandable body. Inside, each piece has a zippered divider with mesh and elastic pockets. The comfy, padded handles make lugging the carry-on and large suitcase around easy ($325; calpaktravel.com).

FOR OUT-OF-THE-COUNTRY EXCURSIONS: The Architect Set by Steamline Luggage Our most luxe pick combines a classic sensibility with modern qualities. The four-piece set is equipped with a vanity case, carry-on, stowaway and checkin spinner. The durable leather set has a printed interior with multiple compartments. It comes with a removable, protective nylon covering and glides silently ($395-925 per piece; steamlineluggage.com).

FOR MEN SUIT Topman Brown Corduroy Skinny Fit Double Breasted Blazer with Notch Lapels and Suit Trousers; $195 and $85 respectively, us.topman.com. TIE Ralph Lauren Braided Leather Bolo Tie; $195, ralphlauren.com. POCKET SQUARE Sandro Fleurie Silk Scarf; $110, selfridges.com. RING Yuketen Leather Ring; $48, urbanoutfitters.com.

SHIRT Burberry Classic Fit Detachable Collar Cotton Poplin Shirt; $820, us.burberry.com.

COLOGNE D.S. & Durga Cowboy Grass Eau de Parfum; $175.00, saksfifthavenue.com.

BOOTS Haider Ackermann Off-White Perito Baltoro Spotted Chelsea Boots; $985, ssense.com.

—Robin Villalobos TRAVEL ISSUE 2019

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Spa

“Spa”verse the Triangle We spa-hopped from Texas to Florida to Mexico to bring you three of our favorite and biggest spa experiences.

HILL COUNTRY DREAMING Lost Pines Resort and Spa • Bastrop, TX • hyatt.com Lost Pines Resort and Spa combines Texana and a luxurious summer camp.

You’ll be right at home at this hill country treasure by Hyatt. Spa Django is a full-service spa located right on property. Spa packages are customizable combining music and nature to help guests relax and recharge. With 18 treatment rooms including an assortment of hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas and an adults-only pool, this is one Texas-sized spa.

H TEXAS RECOMMENDS: Django Massage is a combination Swedish and

relaxation massage. Enjoy detailed, firmer work on your extra-tense muscles.

—Laurette M. Veres

ROCK ON IN THE SUNSHINE STATE The Rock Spa & Salon • Tampa, FL • seminolehardrocktampa.com The Rock Spa & Salon is the perfect place to unwind and relax at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa Bay, FL. They have an extensive menu of treatments that will restore and awaken your body. The space has thirteen treatment rooms and several unique features. They have a Rhythm & Motion room, a Hammam, two VIP suites, a hair and nail salon, a barber shop, and a co-ed aqua lounge. This place has it all.

H TEXAS RECOMMENDS: An Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial or the Hammam

body treatment. —Cassidy Kelley

Lost Pines Resort and Spa

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The Rock Spa & Salon

ROCK WILL MOVE YOU Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya • Cancun, Mexico • hrhrivieramaya.com If you want to enjoy the warm sun, the glistening beach and have a luxurious, blissful experience, the incomparable Hard Rock Hotel in Riviera Maya is where you need to plan your next stay. Riviera Maya offers stunning white-sand beaches and out-of-this-world turquoise clear water just south of Cancun. Rock Spa is the perfect place to go and recharge. The Rock Spa offers every guest a personal paradise and total rock star zen. Enjoy everything from massages and facials to renowned hydrotherapy and peaceful surroundings. The largest spa in the Caribbean has 75 treatment rooms, steam rooms, hydrotherapy current pools, lavish surroundings, and even a personal spa butler to bring you nothing short of paradise perfected.

Rock Spa will no doubt leave you feeling rejuvenated and looking radiant!

H TEXAS RECOMMENDS: The Rock Om program gives you the opportunity to order a yoga kit to be delivered to your room. Your Rock Om yoga kit comes complete with a Manduka PROlite yoga mat and the convenient Go Play carrier. Experience Rock Om around the hotel property or in the comfort of your room with three distinct, on-demand yoga videos on your TV, as well as your own personal device. —Aniell Parrales

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Destination

Moment in Time A weekend escape to Dallas’s timeless Adolphus Hotel is a welcome revival of the lost art of service, wrapped in a blanket of history. And some good ‘ole Texas tall-tales too!

Story and photos by Laurette M. Veres

T

HIS LONE STAR L ANDMARK , BUILT BY BEER BARON ADOLPHUS BUSCH IN 1912 , IS ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PL ACES. Although recently renovated, the “new” Adolphus still remains a grand example of the Beaux Arts architectural style, a predominate style in America from 1880-1920. Hallmarks of this ornamental design abound, from the grand staircase to the flat roof, arched windows, and limestone sculptures both inside and outside the building. Carefully curated artwork throughout the hotel melds old and new.

Stories of the past are also abundant around the Adolphus. My favorite is that of Renard, a sneaky fox known for his trickery. Legend tells during Prohibition, “those in the know” knew to look for an illuminated fox on the building.

If Renard was lit up, come on in and get lit. The Adolphus’s own coffee shop, in anticipation of the repeal of prohibition, changed to a bar overnight, striving to be the first bar in Big D, post prohibition. Upon word the ban was not repealed, they flipped back to a coffee shop, serving piping hot joe by morning.

For two days, I lost myself at the Adolphus, making new discoveries at every turn. I met my group in the drawing room, a seating area with original dark wood walls and a welcoming mixture of contemporary furnishings, comfy blue couches and warm Italian fireplaces.

Directly across from the drawing room, the Social Lobby and City Hall Bar invites guests and locals to use the communal table as a workspace.

Although beer was the business here at the Adolphus, wine receives a nod from Bacchus via the antique Bacchus mirror-original to the property. Another original, the King of Beers Chandelier, still presides above the escalators, its soaring eagles surely whispering secrets of days gone by.

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From the escalators, head down to reception and note the new mosaic tile that blends so perfectly with the décor it compels you to ask, “Is that original?” The answer is no; the entire hotel was previously carpeted. Yet another ode to the past are the weathered, brass room keys displayed as a work of art behind the registration desk. This level, which was once open to the porte-cochere and carport, now houses several businesses including Commerce Goods + Supply, Otto’s Coffee & Fine Foods and a local barbershop.

Commerce Goods + Supply is a modern take on your local provisioning store. Featured pieces from Texas artisans and independent designers are highly curated by Christine Visneau, director of retail and sourcing for hospitality branding of Makeready. Many items are exclusive to the store.

One of the most treasured partnerships is with Stetson. The brand was known to design hats for Adolphus Busch himself and continues this tradition with exclusive designs for the store. “The Renard” is a hat style created just for the property and is made locally at their Garland factory. “The store is meant to be an introduction to the city,” says Christine.

Otto’s Coffee & Fine Foods is a casual Viennese coffee shop. Pop in for a quick salad, European-style baguette sandwich or a delicious apple strudel.

DECADENT DINING Chef Jeramie Robison heads up the culinary team at this property, bringing a bit of his Louisiana flair to each menu. With stints at the Mansion on Turtle Creek, Uchi, (“I thought I knew fish,” he says) and La Colombe d’or, Chef Jeramie gives locals and visitors alike a new reason to head downtown. The hotel’s City Hall Bistro is open all day, featuring a communal dining table and a Southern European vibe. For something unique, start with a brandy and rosé drink called “Renard Spiked the Punch.”

Appetizers like Hot Crab and Pimento and Farro Risotto make sharing fun.

The highlight of my stay was a visit to the The French Room, one of the most revered names in Texas fine dining. Before dinner, our bartender Angela lit up our group with their signature drink.

Bringing a little France to Dallas, the Why Not Sazerac is an elaborate cocktail created tableside, complete with a small fire to add a smoky taste.

“It's basically our twist on the Old Fashioned but with Cognac and Absinthe,” she says. It’s complex, yet easy to drink and it’s certainly fun to watch as the smoke hits the glass.

On your way to dinner, turn your gaze toward the grand staircase and imagine the esteemed diners of the past, in whose footsteps you follow. Pause a moment to take in the perfectly curated art collection showcasing Texas artists and Texas related pieces. Certainly, don’t miss the grand piano, an 1893 Steinway, once owned by the Guggenheims.

The French Room’s seven-course tasting menu is the pinnacle in white-glove service. After a thoughtful and meticulous two-year restoration of the dining room, memorable frescos on the ceiling are now gone, returning to candle-white, Venetian walls. Other design elements include the original marble floor, gilded Louis XVI style chairs, ornate sconces and two Italian Murano Glass chandeliers.

In the kitchen, Executive Chef Michael Ehlert is a purist. Each dish is more beautiful and savory than the last. Standouts include chilled crab and lobster, consommé chasseur, Hudson Valley foie gras, wild king salmon, veal with sautéed mushrooms, and the wagyu. Oh, the wagyu!

Modern and inviting, the Spa Adolphus is a downtown oasis. Set to a tone of greys and beige, the indoor/outdoor relaxation area offers a stunning view of downtown. Our group enjoyed taking over the waiting area and devouring the chocolate snacks.

Special events have a special place here, too. Love reigns supreme considering the number of weddings hosted here in the past century. The Grand Ballroom holds up to 400 guests and the Century Ballroom can hold 250. Gala anyone? Each ballroom has a separate entrance, secluding multiple events. Perfect for a “do-gooder” supporting two charities in the same evening! Hop on the original elevators to the 19th floor and the iconic Century Room. This elegant venue, with a view as big as Dallas, has been called “The French Room in the Sky,” and can host as many as 136 guests.

Sure, there’s more fun to be had in Dallas, with the Neiman Marcus flagship store and the Dallas Arts District just steps away. We just never felt the need to leave the hotel. H

ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT:

THE GRAND STAIRCASE HAS REMAINED IN THE SAME LOCATION THROUGH THE RENNOVATION; THE FRENCH ROOM BELOW: ENJOY SOME

TIME AT THE POOL

POOL WITH A VIEW The summer of 2016 ushered in the first pool (ever) on property. This became the preferred meeting place for my group. Open 6 am to midnight, the six spacious cabanas allow for ample shade when necessary. We enjoyed the watermelon salad, flatbreads and guacamole. We also enjoyed the proximity to the spa.

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VACAY YAY!

Pack your bags and book that window seat—your next vacation awaits.

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DURANGO, COLORADO

A Painted Tapestry Colorado offers up outdoor adventure, regional culinary fare, interactive railroad experiences and breathtaking scenery Story and photos by Marisa L. Byers

B BELOW, LEFT TO RIGHT: THE FENCELINE

DISTILLERY OFFERS BEAUTIFUL VIEWS AND DELICIOUS FARE; DURANGO PAYS HOMAGE TO ITS RAILROAD BEGINNINGS AT THE DURANGO AND SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD (D&SNGRR) STATION WHERE VISITORS CAN EXPERIENCE ONE OF THE WORLD’S TOP TEN TRAIN RIDES; RUSH HOUR AT CANYON OF THE ANCIENTS TAKES ON A WHOLE NEW MEANING FOR THIS HOUSTONIAN.

EING A NATIVE TEX AN, IT ’S HARD TO ADMIT THAT ANOTHER STATE COULD POSSIBLY STE AL MY HE ART. But after a visit to Durango, CO, that just might be the case.

It’s actually not the first time I’ve visited this area with its jaw dropping views and rich Native American history. I spent my honeymoon in this historic mountain town some 17 years ago. My only regret is waiting so long to go back.

On this trip, my journey starts in Mesa Verde County, with the picturesque towns of Cortez, Dolores, and Mancos situated near the Four Corners region of the United

States (where Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona meet).

Because I’m short on time, I fly into Cortez via Boutique Air; however, most visitors access this community by vehicle to take in the amazing landscape on the drive in. Cortez has lots to offer with various wineries, rich Pueblo and Anasazi history, and hiking trails to keep you occupied for days.

Canyon of the Ancients, a working ranch, turned bed and breakfast is the place to stay. Each cabin is uniquely decorated with a rustic chic flair and comes stocked with the things you need to feel at home.

They have so many ranch dogs, it seems one comes with each cabin. The owners love

sharing the rich history of their ranch. Guests enjoy hiking, herding sheep during “rush hour,” feeding animals, or exploring the proud town of Cortez.

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument houses the original dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans, circa 750 AD, a favorite place for hikers. Over 3 million artifacts from the Southwest Colorado region are housed in the Anasazi Heritage Center.

Inside, a multi-sensory learning experience highlights the culture and ingenuity of the great Native American people. Within the cultural center is a simple walking/hiking trail to the top of a hillside with an original kiva, native Puebloan dwelling. Visitors also

enjoy breathtaking views of the valley of Cortez and neighboring river regions.

Mesa Verde National Park is a short drive away over winding roads with postcard worthy look-outs. The area is known for crazy weather patterns. As we drive up in May, it snows, hails and rains, all within a short time span. At the top of the mountain, where the Far View Lodge is situated, we marvel at the view of the Four Corners region. The Far View Lodge has comfortable rooms, casual and upscale dining options and a noteworthy wine selection, but people stay here for the views.

We enjoy breathtaking views of daytime scenery and stellar night skies. There are

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numerous excursions that explore the park and original Navajo dwellings.

A park ranger with the Mesa Verde National Park leads us through Balcony House, an original Navajo settlement abandoned in approximately 1200 AD. Not for the faint of heart, the journey entails climbing 20

yards along the side of a mountain on a large, ladder of tree trunk-like sections and crawling through “foxhole� like tunnels. But all of the hard work is worth it to witness the sheer ingenuity of the Navajo people and the vantage points they were able to see across the canyon. There is much speculation as to why

All of the hard work is worth it to witness the sheer ingenuity of the Navajo people and the vantage points they were able to see across the canyon.

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the tribe left, but no conclusive evidence.

From the Mesa Verde National Park, we travel to Mancos, CO, a small town teeming with creative artists and their work. We could stay for hours, if not days, in this welcoming community of local artists, artisans, and writers. In the heart of Mancos, we lunch at the the Fenceline Distillery, which sits along a winding creek where patrons drink cider and wine. Then we head to the movie house. The Mancos Creative Arts group takes us through their original movie house, once abandoned, but now being restored.

During its heyday, the theater was a stepping stone for a cinematic legend, Dianne Keaton.

From Mancos, we continued to our final destination, Durango, CO. An original settlement from the Wild West days, it began as a railroad town in 1881, and has grown into an excellent biking and ski town. A lot has changed since the early days, but historic old buildings, an antique railroad and rich history keep the 1880s feel alive.

The historic Strater Hotel is close to everything in Durango.

Built in 1902, it houses the country’s largest collections of American

AT LEFT: A TOUR

THROUGH AN ORIGINAL NAVAJO SETTLEMENT THAT DATES BACK TO 1200 AD IS A MUST WHEN TRAVELING THROUGH MESA VERDE

PHOTO BY BIGSTOCK

NATIONAL PARK.

Victorian antiques and stained glass artwork.

For 60 years, the Barker family has owned the hotel and after three generations, a Barker descendent still gives tours of their wonderful property. Author Louis L’Amour was a regular patron of the Strater Hotel and has a room dedicated to him. Each room has a journal and guests are encouraged to document their stay and share their favorite experiences; reading the old entries is entertaining.

Restaurants, meeting rooms and an old fashioned saloon are all inside the hotel.

Experiencing the artifacts and rich

history makes me feel the Strater is more of a museum than a hotel.

In downtown Durango, we find a railway station for the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR). The old steam engine originally pulled cars filled with silver and gold from the mines into town.

Today, it pulls tourists along a 45 mile trek around mountain ranges and past canyons, waterfalls, rushing rapids, wildlife and more as actors portray famous Durango residents who share their stories about the Wild West days. The train ride was voted “one of the

world’s top ten train rides” by the Society of American Travel Writers and “number one North American train trip” by National Geographic Traveler.

Rides are available May to October and take roughly five hours for a round trip. Tourists can opt for a one way trip or simply tour the museum to save time.

Colorado is and will always be my “goto” for satisfying my outdoor, nature fix. I’m not the only Texas girl to feel this way; Texans are flocking to Durango in droves not only to visit, but to buy second homes. Scenery, outdoor activities and a thriving farm to table

food scene create an environment and lifestyle Texans want to experience.

Colorado’s beauty is not something that can be explained or understood simply by looking at pictures. It requires a first-hand visit to understand the state’s lifestyle and culture. Once there, Colorado, and in particular, Durango and Mesa Verde County, will welcome you like an old friend and will stay in your heart and mind forever.

NEXT STOP: DENVER, COLORADO

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DENVER, COLORADO

The Elevated ART OF HOSPITALITY From the outside architecture to the curated art exhibit inside, this destination is for art lovers.

by Adrian Quiroz

TOP TO BOTTOM: A PIECE

BY BETTY WOODMAN ENTITLED “VASES AND WINDOWS”; THE LOBBY AT THE HOTEL IS LIKE A MUSEUM; THE EXQUISITE ARCHITECTURE OF THE HOTEL

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T

HINK OF THE L AST TIME YOU HAD AN EXCITING VISIT TO A NEW MUSEUM . More than likely, you marveled at the building’s architecture and inevitably began to imagine what it would look like on the inside. As you wander in, you are immediately drawn in by the art and ready to explore. I love that feeling!

That’s exactly what you can expect as you make your way into the Welcome Gallery to check in at the ART hotel located in downtown Denver.

The art of hospitality takes on a new meaning as you take in the luxurious accommodations.

The ART hotel is a unique, elevated experience— pun intended! Much like you can expect from a museum, the hotel has a meticulously curated collection of original artwork.

ART CATALOGUE At check-in, the friendly staff will provide a pamphlet that catalogues the art on the property.

You’ll want to have it handy as you explore the hotel during your stay. It’s also a great tool for more detailed information about the featured artists’ from around the world. I promise, this is a real hotel—it just happens to be a museum as well.

ART IN THE BEDROOM Each floor features an original work of art, and the guest rooms are themed around that particular piece. During my stay, I made it a point to stop at each floor and check them all out—I couldn’t help myself. I was very eager to see what my room had in store after such an impressive check-in experience. I was immediately excited by the stylish contemporary decor, abundant natural lighting and roomy layout. I started to document every corner to share on social media.

The bathroom itself is another work of art, from the smart shower to the luxurious tub. The views range from the amazing downtown skyline, Rocky Mountains, or the dynamic Museum District. I was lucky to enjoy an “Ocean View” by artist Rob Reynolds, right from my hotel room window. This view is actually a commissioned large-scale print hung on the side of a building directly across from the hotel—a wow moment!

READY TO SPARK Just beyond the main lobby, the on-site restaurant FIRE features a deliciously curated new American cuisine menu. You’ll feel ignited as you admire the main art installation behind the bar and the amazing views of downtown Denver. You can expect to find familiar options with an artful twist. I highly recommend trying the Chorizo Benedict for breakfast and the Green Almond Gazpacho as a starter for dinner. The presentation at FIRE is a real feast for the eyes.

When you’re ready for a night cap, FIRE features artistically inspired cocktails. Perhaps, a vodka, pineapple, cava and Leopold’s blackberry Mattise Martini will peak your interest, or maybe the Mona Lychee martini is a better fit—da Vinci would

approve. A few steps away, you’ll find yourself at the open-air FIRE Terrace right next to the emblematic firepit. You can feel the energy from being at the center of downtown and it’s a great spot to watch the beautiful Denver sunset.

Looking to unwind? Revisit the drink menu and check out the Calm section for a list of CBD infused cocktail options. On the weekends, you may run into some locals enjoying happy hour, Sunday brunch or on Friday night when DJ Desire sets the mood. Side note, this may sound like an odd suggestion, but visit the restrooms for yet another art lovers’ moment!

BELOW: “ENIGMA OF

MAGNETIC FORCES” BY VANCE KIRKLAND

Perhaps, a vodka, pineapple, cava and Leopold’s blackberry Mattise Martini will peak your interest, or maybe the Mona Lychee martini is a better fit— da Vinci would approve.

ACTIVITIES I stepped out of my comfort zone and joined the complimentary yoga class that’s available every Saturday morning. The class is held at the FIRE Terrace and led by a local professional yoga instructor. I have to admit that I was a bit nervous due to my lack of yoga experience, but I was quickly made to feel very comfortable and it was an incredible experience. A state-of-the-art gym facility is also available for guests and of course, you will workout alongside more art!

A complimentary tour is available on Saturdays to help get a better understanding of the museum-quality works of art. The line between hotel and museum is easily blurred, but it enhances the already unique experience that the ART hotel has to offer.

Partner with the valet attendant to hop on one of the hotels retro-inspired bikes and take it for a spin. A self-guided map is available with a suggested route around the Museum District.

It’s a great way to casually get familiar with the surrounding area and have a great time.

NEXT STOP: CABO, MEXICO

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LOS CABOS, MEXICO

Baja California dreamin’ Sun, sea and fun await at the Marquis Los Cabos • by Adrian Quiroz

I

F I TOLD YOU THAT I FOUND MYSELF STANDING IN FRONT OF AN ENORMOUS ARCHWAY FR AMING A BRE ATHTAKING VIEW OF THE DEEP BLUE SK Y AND SE A—IT MAY SOUND MUCH LIKE A DRE AM . I was in fact standing in the larger-than-life lobby of the Marquis Los Cabos, an all inclusive resort and spa, located near the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. Los Cabos is an extraordinary place where the desert meets the sea in the most beautiful way.

AT RIGHT: THE

INCREDIBLE OPEN-AIR LOBBY LOOKS OUT TO THE OCEAN HORIZON

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TAKE IN THE VIEWS I could not get over the lobby area; I felt like I had wandered onto the set of a big production movie in a remote exotic corner of the world. I was welcomed with a frozen beverage and a cool washcloth. The adults-only resort features 235 deluxe suites with several options to suit your stay. The best part—all suites face the ocean. The larger master and casita suites offer a private pool and accommodations for large parties.

After check-in, I was shown to my suite on the top floor. I was so impressed by the view that I almost overlooked all the amazing amenities and beautiful furnishings. I made a mental note to try the Jacuzzi bathtub and dig into complimentary snacks and beverages in the mini-bar. The signature “Marquis wake-up” is the perfect way to start your day; sweet rolls and hot coffee are placed in a special delivery door ready for you to enjoy when you wake up.

From my private balcony, I could see no end to the ocean and the three infinity pools that wrapped around the resort. The property is a serene playground and at times all you can hear are the sounds of the waves as you explore every inch. The off-white Spanish stucco throughout the resort is the perfect backdrop for the beautiful artwork, meticulously arranged greenery and the walkways that are accented with real turquoise stones throughout the resort. Every corner is picture perfect or as we know it today, Instagram ready. I could definitely see why couples choose to get married in this picturesque oasis.

I quickly donned a bathing suit and made my way to one of the infinity pools to lounge and enjoy the sun. The expansive pool areas allow you to find a spot to splash, read a book or even bask in the shade for a while. You will want to dig your feet in the sand and take a stroll along the beautiful beach.

The one thing you won’t get tired of—the view.

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I could not get over the lobby area; I felt like I had wandered onto the set of a big production movie in a remote exotic corner of the world.

SAVOR THE MOMENT As a foodie, I was excited that the resort hosts five different restaurants including classic Mexican, Asian cuisine, local seafood and even a Mediterranian option. Each restaurant has its very own identity and needless to say, each a very delicious experience. As you relax by the pool or the beach, be sure to order food and of course a cocktail or two. I suggest one of the ceviche options, which you can customize, paired with a rum infused version of their welcome drink—you’ll be glad you did!

Ready to get your day started and skip the dining room? Stop by the grab-and-go Espresso Cappuccino Cafe to fuel up for your daily adventures.

Accustomed to late night cravings? No worries as room service is available 24-hours a day.

For a special evening, make a reservation at the gourmet French restaurant Canto del Mar under the supervision of Maître Cuisinier de France Executive Chef Thierry DuFour for a sophisticated four-course meal. If you’re on a romantic getaway this is not only a must, but a great opportunity to dress up and make it a memorable night. It’s the only restaurant on the resort with an additional fee for dining, but it’s worth it. The restaurant offers a very intimate setting with each course being paired with wines for a truly luxurious experience.

I loved hanging out at the Suspiros Lounge and Outdoor Bar, it’s right in the middle of the resort and a great spot to watch the sunset. In all honesty, it doesn’t matter where you are on the property, you can enjoy the sunset, but it’s better with a drink in hand and enjoying some music next to the DJ booth. This is a great opportunity to mingle with other guests and socialize.

Remember, this is an adults-only resort! Treat yourself to an adult beverage— you deserve it!

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VENTURE OUT

Depending on your mood here are three of my favorite adventures that are guaranteed to enrich your Cabo experience. They’re only a short distance away from Marquis los Cabos.

THE ARCH OF CABO SAN LUCAS “El Arco” as it’s locally known, is a natural rock formation at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula—a must see! Arrange a scenic sailing tour to get a close up view of the iconic landmark that’s emblematic of Cabo, a glimpse of Lovers Beach and the sea lion colony. Take a dip or simply enjoy the views. San Lucas is also where the nightlife is always buzzing.

SAN JOSE DEL CABO Make a stop at old town San Jose and pop in on one (or all) of the many colorful artisan shops. You are sure to leave with a unique memento to cherish and remember your time in Cabo. This is the spot to take a stroll and enjoy the town’s colonial charm. And, don’t forget to stop by the Gallery District and check out the inspiring art scene.

RELAX AT THE SPA It’s not a hard decision to opt in for a spa treatment when you’re already being pampered 24/7. Spa Marquis is a beatiful 13,000 square feet space surrounded by artwork and soothing water features. It houses a state-of-the-art fully equipped gym, beauty salon and oceanview treatment rooms. Indigineous natural ingredients are utilized in the holistic full-spa service menu.

The locker room areas feature private showers and large steam rooms.

Anything you could possibly need is made available, including standard toiletries and the cherished spa slippers. I chose to treat myself to a deep tissue massage and a hand scrub. Unfortunately, just prior to my spa appointment, I may have basked in the sun a little too long. Yes, I got a mild sunburn! The staff was very accommodating and worked with me to make sure I was still able to enjoy the services I had originally requested. I was impressed and had an amazing massage in one of the rooms overlooking the ocean.

I sat in the steam room for a while and then made my way to one of the hot tubs available only to guests receiving spa treatments—and if it’s not predictable by now—they’re also facing the ocean! A cold pool is also available and you are welcome to come back and use the private tubs. A truly remarkable experience especially considering my individual situation.

HUERTA LOS TAMARINDOS RESTAURANT Located atop the desert hills in San Jose del Cabo, Tamarindos Restaurant offers a unique farm-to-table dining experience.

Dinner is served in an adapted brick house restaurant dating back to the 18th century that overlooks the 17-acre farm where your meal is sourced from. Fresh takes on a new meaning as you try the delicious dishes that change seasonally depending on the fruits of the crop. Be sure to try out their signature cocktails, including a tamarind concoction infused with their very own in-house mezcal.

WHY NOT? If you are anything like me, you’ll find yourself fully basking in the scenery and tranquility as you lounge by the water. However, should you want to try an activity, the resort has an array of options to suit your taste. To name a few, try your hand at archery by the beach, sign up for cooking lessons or even attend one of the weekly themed parties. After dinner, I happened to walk into the casino-themed night by the Suspiro Lounge where guests were seated at poker tables and enjoying card games. Want to explore outside the resort, sign up for a guided tour of San Jose’s art walk or even a bar hopping tour in San Lucas.

OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: CASITAS HAVE A PRIVATE PLUNGE POOL WITH AN

OCEAN VIEW; THE WATERFALL FEATURE RIGHT OUTSIDE OF THE LOBBY AT SUNSET; THE MARQUIS LOS CABOS IS RIGHT ON THE BEACH

NEXT STOP: PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO

ABOVE: THE MAJESTIC INFINITY POOL’S VIEW BLENDS SEAMLESSLY INTO THE OCEAN.

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PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO

All play pass at playa del carmen Warning: the upbeat tempo of this beautiful city is contagious! • by Adrian Quiroz

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I

T ' S TIME TO LET LOOSE IN ST YLE AND TAKE YOUR TRIP FROM MILD TO WILD! Thompson Playa del Carmen is a luxury lifestyle hotel comprised of two properties ready to cater to your every need, conveniently located at the heart of the culturally rich Riviera Maya and locally—it’s at the center of all the action. The unique concept allows you to choose between the Thompson Main House or Beach House. It was a tough choice, but I decided to stay at the Beach House during my stay.

BEACH HOUSE Upon arrival, I was greeted by the genuinely friendly hotel staff. The Beach House has a tranquil private beach club-vibe and a mid-century contemporary atmosphere. It is a very intimate setting with only 27 beach-facing rooms and suites available. My dreamy room had luxe minimalist furniture, wooden sliding doors and a tub begging me to jump in. The spectacular view was framed by palm trees and the ocean. I enjoyed relaxing by the balcony admiring the scenery in between daily activities. The outdoor space has a relaxing pool and cabana access to enjoy drinks from the bar. Just a few steps away, I had immediate access to the beach. I was impressed by the level of customer service and attention to detail; everyone is so passionate about ensuring your needs.

MAIN HOUSE Just a short walk away, I arrived at the Main House—wow! The checkered black and white marble floor, colorful art and custom furniture combine together in perfect harmony. The property features 92 rooms and suites offering private terraces and contemporary decor. The bottom floor blends into the adjacent outdoor AT LEFT: THE INFINITY POOL AT THE MAIN HOUSE

OFFERS BREATHTAKING VIEWS ABOVE: JUST ONE OF THE MANY WAYS SERVICE AT

THE THOMPSON IS UNPARALLED—CUSTOMIZED WELCOME GOODIES TRAVEL ISSUE 2019

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ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT:

UNDERGROUND CAVES ARE ONE OF THE HIDDEN GEMS OUTSIDE THE RESORT; TAKE A TOUR TO NEARBY MAYAN TEMPLES AT RIGHT: THE BEACH

IS JUST STEPS AWAY FROM THE THOMPSON BEACH HOUSE

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Make sure you get the most out of your stay by partnering with the Thompson staff to arrange for custom private tours that are out of this world. Dive into Mayan territory at one of the many archeological sites, a magical underground cave or snorkel at a turtle sanctuary. shopping center with a variety of upscale shops and restaurants. The highlight has to be the rooftop infinity pool with an incredible panoramic ocean view. I was glad my phone was waterproof!

The rooftop space expands an entire block—it should be assigned a zip code with all the space to dine, party and let loose. The same consistency of service is carried through at both properties.

DINING Dining at the Main House was on another level as I feasted on meals on top of the city. The vibrancy of New York comes to Thompson with the famed CATCH restaurant concept featuring globally influenced dishes. I sampled a little bit of everything the restaurant has to offer from signature sushi dishes to the catch of the day sourced locally. I recommend trying their “Poison” cocktail for a fun surprise! It was great to watch the atmosphere build up at dinner time as the DJ started to play and witnessing the night come alive in the city.

For beach-side dining, C-Grill at the Beach House is the place to be for authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. Chef Danny Flores offers an inventive menu utilizing locally sourced ingredients and tradition. I had never experienced such traditional dishes in such unexpected presentations and most importantly, all were delicious. I had their take on a traditional taco plus the brulee arroz con leche for dessert. There are cocktails and then there are Thompson cocktails—they are ready to have fun with you.

QUINTA AVENIDA X CALLE 12 The hotel is at the heart of these main streets.

Quinta Avenida is a pedestrian only stretch of cafes, restaurants, bars and various shops. Both Thompson Houses are connected by Quinta Avenida so your short walk to visit the other property is fun as the energy builds up during the day. Calle 12 hosts most of the main dance clubs and the energy peaks at nightime. There is always something to do and see—I loved how

convenient it was to have dinner at CATCH, walk on over to the Beach House to freshen up and be ready to enjoy the night only a short stroll away.

ACTIVITIES I learned so much participating in the complimentary sunset tequila tasting. It’s a great way to interact with other guests from all over the world. On the flipside, to connect your body and mind, there are daily morning yoga sessions available on the rooftop or at the beach. Get your workout on in style at the fully equipped gyms. A picturesque bike ride along the beach is a fun cardio option. For a luxuriously calming experience, book a massage in your room, private cabana or at the Beach House.

ON THE HOUSE A complimentary visit to the Frida Kahlo museum located right next to the Beach House is included as part of your stay. Simply show up with your room key and enjoy a private tour. The museum encapsulates the life of the iconic artist and is a must-see.

Another bonus: A mini facial awaits you at OroGold, located right next to the Main House in the outdoor shopping center. A treat to keep you fresh as you take on the city.

ALESSIA DAY CLUB Back to the rooftop! Alessia is the premier day club concept atop the Thompson Main House.

Open six days a week (closed on Tuesdays), the rooftop is transformed as attendees celebrate birthdays, bachelorette parties or simply life!

Cabanas, bottle service and delicious food take partygoers over the edge. Be ready to experience VIP treatment and book your own celebration or check out the list of upcoming events and join the fun.

OUTSIDE THE HOUSE Make sure you get the most out of your stay by partnering with the Thompson staff to arrange for custom private tours that are out of this world. Dive into Mayan territory at one of the many archeological sites, a magical underground cave or snorkel at a turtle sanctuary. One of my favorite memories will always be floating inside one of the cenotes. I have to give Angela a shoutout—request a tour through the concierage with this amazing lady because she’s very knowledgeable and passionate about all there is to know around the area. She may even share secret spots to check out!

NEXT STOP: ALTA, UTAH

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ALTA, UTAH

MOUNtain MAGIC New lodge ups luxury ante in Alta • Story and Photos by Laurette M. Veres

L

OCAL S KEEP THIS ARE A A SECRET. While I’ve been traveling, skiing and staying in the finest accommodations around the Salt Lake City area for more than 25 years, I’ve only recently heard of Alta.

However, Snowpine Lodge, the best-kept secret of Utah skiing, is now the talk of the town since the $50 million renovation of the original lodge built right in the mountain.

Only 25 minutes from the Salt Lake City airport, you can literally be skiing 70 minutes after landing.

It’s an easy drive; shuttles are plentiful and reliable. The new Snowpine is a quaint mountain lodge with a

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whole new look. Greys and browns accent western artwork throughout the resort.

The small, inviting lobby has a pleasant fireplace open on two sides, heating two cozy seating areas. A large inviting patio provides additional seating when the weather permits, perfect for sipping hot cocoa, cocktails or coffee as skiers zip by. Similar lobbies are found on most floors.

The lodge is family owned and built for families. Board games litter the lobby and a kid’s zone is set up on level C with video and table games, plus toys for every age. There is even a bunny slope with its own chair lift so kids can ski without leaving the hotel property.

Alta has always been known as “a skiers mountain” and to this day snowboarders aren’t allowed. Ski purists love this.

Snowpine is located on the mountain, so guests enjoy ski-inski-out convenience.

It’s a two-minute ski to the Albion basin, home to ski school, daycare, dining and two lifts. Despite our crowded Saturday in February, we had the kids signed up for ski school in no time! Alf Engen Ski School is first come, first serve (no reservations), so plan accordingly on

big snow days. This school has been called the best in Utah and year after year skiers return to their favorite coaches, who seem to stay forever. Skiing skills are enhanced with lessons on local environment, terrains and ecology. The Ski Adventure Center operates near the lifts, so it’s easy to take a peak and check on your mini-skier’s progress. As students

progress, it’s also super convenient to hop a lift and take skiing to the next level.

Alta has always been known as “a skiers mountain” and to this day snowboarders aren’t allowed. Ski purists love this.

When the lifts at Alta close, guests at Snowpine keep skiing off Snowpine’s new private lift. Three or four bunny slope runs are great for family skiing and extra practice for ski students. When they are finally ready to turn in, storing gear is easy with storage lockers, complete with boot and mitten warmers, that are located just inside the door. This amenity is included with each room. Be sure to partake in the afternoon offering of chocolate chip, peanut butter and oatmeal cookies, served with hot chocolate.

Swen’s is Snowpines eatery. The dining room is stunning and the communal dining table has views of the open kitchen as well as the mountains.

Floor-to-ceiling windows look over Cottonwood Canyon.

Menu standouts are Short Rib Pot Pie, Scallops and Pork Schnitzel, a nod to the Austrian Alps.

The Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad was so good it had guests talking about it later at the bar; only the burger received more accolades. This is a new restaurant and will soon be winning awards. Breakfast is conveniently served buffet style so you can head directly to the slopes: eggs, bacon,

sausage, potatoes, fruit, yogurt, granola and bagels are available daily. Dine a la carte or purchase a meal plan.

Accommodations are available at several price points. Our fiveperson family opted for a Snowpine Suite—a spacious master bed and bath, kitchenette, guest bathroom, and a seating area complete with a couch that contains a pullout bed.

See snowpine.com for other accommodation options and pricing.

It’s acceptable to walk around in your robe; and you should!

After a long day on the slopes, Jacuzzis and massages reinvigorate tired bodies. The spa here is perfect. Very little of the original lodge is visible, until you enter the Stillwell Spa. The original bricks from the Jacuzzi/grotto have been preserved. The grotto is a constant 104 degrees and has room for 10; spa treatments start and end here. A minute in this historic grotto and you’re transported to the Austrian Alps.

Every conceivable amenity is available.

The provided robe is actually nicer than the one you arrived in.

Steam and sauna are both available in the men’s and women’s locker rooms, so bathing suits are optional. The waiting area serves yogurtcovered pretzels, salted almonds, herbal tea and water.

Alta is no longer a secret! Book early and enjoy the luxurious, year-round accommodations at Snowpine Lodge. H

OPPOSITE PAGE: THE

NEWLY RENOVATED SNOWPINE RESORT, WITH ITS BEAUTIFUL ACCOMMODATIONS, PRIVATE LIFT, LUXURIOUS SPA AND FANTASTIC FARE, IS NO LONGER A SECRET. THIS PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: THE NEWLY

OPENED SWEN’S IS WINNING RAVE REVIEWS FOR THEIR DECADENT DISHES; LOCATED ON THE MOUNTAIN, SNOWPINE OFFERS SKI-IN, SKI-OUT CONVENIENCE FOR GUESTS; THE GROTTO’S ORIGINAL BRICKS LINE THE WALL OF THE HOTEL’S STILLWELL SPA.

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Bringing Her Babies Home

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A look at one mother’s struggle with the Brazos County Court System

T

HERE WAS RINGING IN HER E ARS. Her heartbeat was audible, palms sweaty, the air had been sucked out of her lungs. She looked up at the woman on the bench in a black robe speaking to her. Alyssa could feel her lips moving, but words were not coming out. In fact, she couldn’t hear anything except the ringing in her ears even though the world was still moving all around her. Was she dreaming this nightmare?

She blinked. One sentence she managed to catch right before her body decided not to participate any further, “…children are immediately awarded to father, instanter. That means right. This. Minute.”

The judge’s condescending remark was overkill.

Alyssa opened her eyes and looked out the law office window. Houston attorneys Marcela Halmagean, Principal Attorney at the law firm M Halmagean Pllc and Meredith Parenti, a senior appellate attorney, were looking at her as if they were waiting for a response. To Alyssa, the flashback of that day, October 18, 2018 was still with her as it has been every day since her nightmare began. Halmagean finally spoke, “You mean to tell me that your husband admitted to putting a gun to his head 10 to 20 times, in front of you and the boys, and the Judges in Brazos County, TX, still named him “primary” of your children?” Alyssa quietly replied “yes,” tears threatening to spill over.

On March 5, 2018, her husband, Ephraim, had stormed out of their apartment, leaving Alyssa and their two babies behind. For as long as she continued to live in that apartment, she never changed the locks and her husband never returned.

Two weeks after he left, he filed for divorce. Life with two boys under the age of three and both diagnosed with autism had its challenges, there was no question about that, but Alyssa had never imagined the horror that was still to come.

Alyssa’s husband had money. Alyssa did not.

Alyssa’s husband has a PhD. Alyssa does not. After he filed for divorce, Alyssa still waited for him, hoping he would go through therapy and come back to her a changed man…he did not. Eventually, after several months of waiting, Alyssa filed her own petition and agreed to mediation. After a failed mediation over the summer and roughly three unusually long October days of testimony, Associate Judge Wendy Wood Hencerling of Brazos County Court at Law 1, ordered that her babies be taken away from their mother on that very day.

Through haze and disbelief, Alyssa remembered Judge Hencerling’s justifying her extreme ruling on “indicia of parental alienation.” And on that day, October 18, 2018, the Court’s ruling was only

AT LEFT: ALYSSA IMAGINES

THE DAY WHEN SHE’LL HAVE HER TWO BOYS BACK IN HER ARMS. TRAVEL ISSUE 2019

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ABOVE: ALYSSA HAS BEEN

LEFT WITH NOTHING BUT PHOTOS AND MEMORIES OF HAPPIER DAYS. AT RIGHT: ALYSSA IS

CONTINUING TO FIGHT FOR CUSTODY OF HER BOYS.

a temporary one (she was still breastfeeding the youngest). Alyssa remembered asking herself, How long will these temporary orders last? How will the boys fare without her, the only stable, permanent figure in their lives? Before she was able to process her thoughts, her two boys were immediately retrieved by law enforcement at the residence where they were staying and handed over to their father. Before that day, Alyssa remembered when she and the boys had fled their apartment in fear of their lives…she remembered her husband finding them and beating on the door demanding his guns. He had many guns in the home with Alyssa and the boys and now, he was handed over both children, but Alyssa wasn’t allowed to come within 200 feet, not even if they were on their deathbed. Alyssa wrapped her arms around her, her breasts throbbing again. She finally broke down in tears. She couldn’t help but still wonder how her youngest needing to be breasfeed would be cared for. Halmagean looked up from her computer screen where she had been clacking away for the last 20 minutes, trying to make sense of the case. She remained composed and rational. If she was in shock at hearing Alyssa’s comments, she didn’t show it. “You mean, the Court mandated a black out period of 90 days? You mean to tell me you weren’t allowed to see the children for 90 days?

No contact with the children? No Facetime?

No supervised

October 18, 2018 through June of 2019, Alyssa has seen her boys a scarce 30 hours spread out over 10 supervised visits.

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visitation? No information provided to you by the husband whatsoever?” Alyssa nodded and kept sobbing unable to respond.

After a few minutes, Alyssa explained that the Judge allowed her to reunite with her children on January 18, 2019, about a month before she met Halmagean and Parenti. The Court’s Orders were on paper and Alyssa’s lawyers were looking at them. An unsupervised Standard Possession Order was set to start on January 18, 2019. It was a soul-crushing lifetime away for a mother who had never been apart from or spent a single night away from her babies. Just four days before January 18, 2019 when Alyssa’s standard possession was to begin, Judge Hencerling’s custody evaluator appointment, Kim Arredondo, PhD, wrote and submitted a sworn affidavit riddled with lies and half-truths. She had a problem with Alyssa getting to see her children. In her affidavit, she complained to the court that the pool at the residence where Alyssa was staying was a problem despite the locks, child gates, and adult supervision. She also raised a false concern about the children’s Texas Children’s Hospital diagnosis and accused the doctors of issuing diagnosis and performing medical procedures on the children only because Alyssa requested them to do so.

When deposed by Halmagean, Arredondo would admit to deleting evidence from her interviews with Alyssa’s witnesses, failing to speak with the husband’s therapist, Dr. Larson, and spending a disproportionate amount of time talking with the husband’s lawyer and the Amicus in the case— another Judge Hencerling’s appointment. In that deposition, she also admitted that she charged Alyssa more than $1,000 for a visit to Alyssa’s new

home, a visit which never occurred; and that the husband’s severe porn addiction and his putting a gun to his head 10 to 20 times by his own admission were never matters of any concern to her. Alyssa kept repeating to Halmagean that it’s all about the “indicia of parental alienation” that mattered to the Court and to Arredondo.

On January 15, 2019, the lawyer for the husband filed an emergency motion to stop Alyssa’s upcoming standard possession orders and used Arredondo’s affidavit in support of the emergency motion. The Court signed off on it and defeated, Alyssa’s then lawyers withdrew from the case. What are the odds? “Chozer k’mo boomerang” roughly translated to English means “it comes back like a boomerang” or “what goes around comes around.”

Alyssa still can’t stop wondering what she ever did to be punished this way. She speaks fluent Hebrew; she met and fell in love with him; she married him in his country, Israel; they were happy back then…or so she recalls.

From the day the nightmares began, October 18, 2018 through June of 2019, Alyssa has seen her boys a scarce 30 hours spread out over 10 supervised visits. During those visits, her rights were constantly reduced without hearings or an opportunity for her to be heard. They called her a “Munchausen by Proxy” mom. They accused her of faking her own autism. They had to say something to take her babies away. But, the kids are still autistic and are still non-verbal. To hide these facts, the Court ordered her to only eight hours of supervised visits a month and for those hours she has to pay about $4,000. She can’t afford that nor does she have the resources to live.

As of September 20, 2019, Alyssa has not seen her children and her children have not hugged their mother in over 105 days and counting. What average American parent can afford to spend $4,000 per month to see their children?

This case was so unbelievable that Halmagean and Parenti, agreeing to take the case pro bono, and Wayne Dolcefino with Dolcefino Consulting and a decorated journalist, decided to run a few stories on the case. His reporting shone a light on the conflict of interest between the Amicus attorney, Jana Foreman, and the lawyer for the husband–Foreman used to be an associate attorney for the husband’s counsel. Alyssa, a mother with no history of drug or alcohol abuse and no criminal background, is a victim of what appears to be a “good ol’ girl” network in Brazos County, TX. Money rule and Alyssa has no resources. But why? How? How does a Judge, who admitted on record that she wants to throat punch litigants, that’s aligned in her personal life with Arredondo (once charged with food stamps fraud), the husband’s attorney, and the Amicus, get away with it all? How are they not removed from the bench? “It comes back like a boomerang” or “what goes around comes around.” How and why?

Time may help healing but not in Alyssa’s case. H

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ANCHORS AWAY! —But Dave Ward Is Still Around

by Lynn Ashby

“Barbara and I were delighted to hear the news that Dave had decided to write this book about his life and legendary career as a broadcaster…” —George H. W. Bush

A

NY BOOK BY A LOCAL AUTHOR , THAT HAS A FL AT TERING FORWARD

BY A FORMER PRESIDENT, DESERVES A RE AD. Dave (I call him “Dave” because everyone does, ever since one of his bosses said, “On the air, call yourself ‘Dave.’

‘David’ sounds so Biblical.”) has written a most interesting autobiography, Good Evening, Friends: A Broadcaster Shares His Life. Actually, it’s also a history of Houston radio and TV and of the city itself during his days reporting on it and us. In his recollections we find: • How he almost died • How he hit the skids with booze (no connection with the above) • How the term “TV anchor” was coined by Walter Cronkite after a storm • How Maaarvin Zindler got fired because he was “too ugly” • Why Dave pulled dead rats out of a swimming pool • Why he is in the Guinness World Records • Lots of inside skinny on why we watch what we watch on local TV news Dave, who is 80, begins his life story with how it almost ended. A few years ago, he woke up with a chest pain, and was rushed to the hospital where doctors saved his life. A few weeks later, complications set in, he couldn’t breathe, but the doctors couldn’t find any problems, until Dave’s wife, Laura, went to the hospital manager and insisted there was a problem. Sure enough, they pumped 2.5 liters of fluid from his lungs.

Then there was the time, in a charity show in the Astrodome, he crashed his motorcycle and broke half the bones in his body. It’s always something.

Coming home from work one night in his fancy new Cadillac, Dave got slammed by an out-ofcontrol car on the West Loop and ended up in the hospital—again. Dr. Red Duke was on hand—again.

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He said, “Well, Ward, it looks like you’ve busted your ass again.” Then he tripped going up to a studio set, broke his femur, which laid him up for a while and cost him the sense of smell. He needed Memorial Hospital on speed dial.

Dave is a bit of a name-dropper, but each one is linked to a good story: Duke, A. J. Foyt, Nolan Ryan, Frank Sinatra, David Brinkley. Like this one: During the Republican National Convention in Houston in the 1980s, the Texas delegation ordered a huge amount of James Coney Island hotdogs shipped to the arena. Brinkley ate one and fell in love with them. Dave and Brinkley had met a few times before, and finally, when Brinkley retired to Houston, they got together occasionally. One day they were driving somewhere and Dave asked: “David, you could live anywhere in the world you want. What made you move to Houston?” He responded instantly, “The James Coney Island hotdogs, of course.” Dave notes that Brinkley had family here, and that could have been the reason, but Brinkley swore that was the truth.

Dave gets to his life’s story back—way back—to 1820 when his great-grandfather, Jesse Henley Ward, moved from Alabama to Illinois. Later, Dave’s great uncle, Francis Ward, enlisted in the Union Army, one of 137 men to volunteer for the 18th Illinois Infantry. Although his unit saw limited action, of its 930 men, 65 were killed in combat with scores of others (he lists the numbers) dying of wounds and disease. Fast forward: Dave’s father became a Baptist minister and moved from small town to small town until the family ended up in Texas, again moving from small town to small town. Dave recounts a happy childhood and remembers the names of every childhood friend.

He calls himself “the accidental anchor,” as he bumps into becoming a teenaged DJ spinning popular hits of the time, but he notes that the news reporters at the stations seemed to be having a better time.

He worked at the radio station WACO in Waco, one of the few stations with call letters the same name as the town, and was eventually hired by KNUZ radio in Houston. His career at KTRK began in 1966 as an on-the-street reporter/photographer.

After his stint prowling the mean streets of Houston at 2 a.m. with a photographer in tow, in early 1967

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He holds the world’s record as having the longest career in television news broadcasting—49 years, 218 days, from November 9, 1966, to June 2, 2016, and the meter kept running until he finally left the anchor desk at KTRK on December 9, 2016. he began to anchor Channel 13's weekday 7 a.m. newscast. Later that year he became the first host of a game show, Dialing for Dollars, which later evolved into Good Morning Houston. In January of 1968, Ward was promoted to co-anchor of the weekday 6 and 10 p.m. news, and he was on his way. His way included riding with the Blue Angels, going deep in a nuclear submarine, parades, presidential nominating conventions and the rest of the stories.

Meantime, his private life was not doing so well, and Dave is pretty hard on himself in telling about it.

He discusses his three marriages and two divorces, his drinking problem complete with an intervention and a night in jail, and the on-the-air mistakes he made. But overall it is clear he loved his job, his co-workers and his viewers. Example: In a recent interview (it’s not in the book), Laura Ward was off to visit a son in Japan, but just before leaving, she discovered her passport had expired. So, Dave drove her to the Federal Building to get it renewed.

“When we got there, they had security like you wouldn’t believe,” says Dave. “The guard recognized me and let us through quickly. We got up to the passport office and there was a long, long line.

The guard there said, ‘Dave Ward? Come this way,’ and we were whisked to the front. The people of Southeast Texas have been incredibly nice to us.”

HOW DO YOU RATE? The nightly news on local TV is where they begin with “Good evening,” and then proceed to tell you why it isn't. While television remains the most common place for Americans to get their news, local TV outpaces cable and network TV. Even so, local TV news saw its audience decline across most time slots studied in 2017. When it comes to money, local TV companies brought in less revenue in 2017 than in 2016. Why? Elections. They generate more viewers. This past presidential election in 2016 saw TV viewership (and newspaper readership) increase dramatically. In 2017, viewership for network local affiliate news stations (ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC) declined in key time slots that TV stations, networks and sponsors watch so closely: Morning (6 a.m. to 9 a.m.), early evening (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.) and late night (11 p.m. to 2 a.m.), according to ComScore StationView Essentials data. The average audience 54

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for the morning news slot decreased 15 percent in 2017. Audience for the midday news time slot (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) declined 4 percent. Local TV average audience for early evening news and late night slots also declined (7 percent for both). If this trend holds, then look for a sharp rise in 2020 as the candidates, political parties and those thinlydisguised ads for one candidate or another start appearing on your TV screen, to the delight of stockholders. (It is estimated that the candidates, political parties, etc., spend 80 percent of their campaign money on TV ads.)

Texas Monthly once quoted a former television news director in Houston: “A lawyer doesn’t lose his job if he doesn’t have 51 percent of the legal business in town. Safeway can make a very handsome profit and not be outselling every other competitor, but in television, either you are first or you better know the reason why.” Local TV stations, and their staff, live and die over ratings.

So Dave was a bit puzzled when the suits at KTRK dropped him from anchoring the 10 p.m. news, and eventually did the same with the 6 p.m. spot, but they did. Ratings were good, often the best in the market. But they did. In negotiations, Dave diplomatically puts it, he and the station couldn’t reach an agreement, so he retired, sort of. He is still doing Dave Ward’s Houston, an occasional series on Channel 13 that focuses on local stories.

Dave is quick to give credit to his co-workers, complimenting them throughout the book. As for the book itself, he credits Jim McGrath, who began his writing career at the White House, a nice entry position, and later served as a spokesman and speech writer for former President George H.W. Bush. “Jim did a lot the research,” and it shows.

Facts, names and dates. Lucy Chambers, Dave’s editor: “She said to put in emotions, elucidate.” After decades of “Just the facts, Ma’am” writing objective news, he finally got to put in opinions and personal thoughts. The book runs 353 pages plus lots of photos. Have you ever read a book and wanted to know more about a particular event or background that is mentioned, and you turn to the back to check out the index? Dave makes it easy. At the bottom of some pages are footnote web sites, like nbcchicago.com. It saves a lot of time. The book is published by Bright Sky Publishing ($29.95).

A TRAIN OF THOUGHT ON TRAINS Crime Stoppers has a new office in downtown Houston named for Ward, with an office for him and walls to hold his many plaques. His connection to the anti-crime group began in the 70s when a police officer from Albuquerque spoke to a group in Austin which included some Houston Exchange Club members. The cop told how his force was looking for a suspect and had no luck whatsoever until they went to a local TV station and asked if they could put the suspect’s picture on the air. They did and the guy was caught the very next day. That began Crime Stoppers as a link between the local police force and the media.

Exchange members came back to Houston and

made their pitch to Ward and KTRK executives.

Joined by radio station KTRH and the Houston Chronicle, Crime Stoppers went into action. (For a while they used UH drama students to reenact the crime.) Since then, the movement has spread all over the nation. The long arm of the tube hit home when Dave and Laura were getting into a taxi in London, and the driver said, “Why you’re Mister Crime Stopper.” It seems the BBC had made a documentary on the group featuring Ward.

IN ANSWER TO SOME OF THE INITIAL QUESTIONS: When Dave and his family first moved to Houston, they lived in an apartment complex and his thenwife, Glenya, eventually became the manager and got free rent. But Dave was in charge of cleaning the complex’s two swimming pools once a week.

He pulled out everything from the pools including lawn furniture and dead rats. Walter Cronkite coined the term “anchor chair” during a major news event, but it didn’t have anything to do with ships or even storms. “Anchor” meant someone, like Dave, had to sit in a TV studio and direct the news flow rather than going out and covering the story, a situation Dave seems to miss. Marvin Zindler was doing spots on KPRC-TV. The station manager, Jack Harris, called the news director and asked who was that guy? When told, Harris stormed: “Listen, the kid is too ugly. I don’t ever want to see his face on this television station again!” And it wasn’t, but moving to KTRK, Zindler began a whole series of facial surgery, and urged viewers to consider doing the same. He eventually became one of the most popular faces on Houston TV—and helped raise the station’s ratings to number one.

On the walls of the rooms in the Wards’ home are several plaques including the Silver Circle, an Emmy from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences—the Lone Star Chapter. And this: it was presented by the Guinness World Records, which usually bestows such honors to the tallest man, the largest cucumber and Harnaam Kaur, of Slough, Berkshire, England, whose beard is six inches long in places, the youngest woman with a full beard. Then there is Houston’s own Dave Ward.

Why is he included? Because, as the plaque reads, he holds the world’s record as having the longest career in television news broadcasting—49 years, 218 days, from November 9, 1966, to June 2, 2016, and the meter kept running until he finally left the anchor desk at KTRK on December 9, 2016.

Finally, Dave has this thing about trains. He probably got the interest from a grandfather who was a conductor on streetcars in Dallas. As a child, Dave would get on his bike and peddle down to the railroad tracks to see the trains go by. His father said the only civilized way to travel was by train. As I was interviewing Dave for this article I asked what he was up to next. “I’m about to take the Sunset Limited to Los Angeles and then take the Coast Starlight to Seattle.” Does he have any other plans?

“I want to take a few more train trips.” H

Houston TV History No Houston TV stations are owned locally, which explains a lot. There are several other stations in town, but let’s stick to the majors. KPRC first broadcast on January 1, 1949, as KLEE-TV, and was owned by oil man W. Albert Lee, who was married to actress Gene Tierney who had been married to fashion designer Oleg Cassini. (Are you still with me?) KLEE was the first television station in Houston and 12th in the entire nation. For four years it was the only TV station in town. In 1950 the station was purchased by the Hobby family, owners of the Houston Post, who changed the call letters to match their radio station, KPRC (Kotton Port, Rail Center). KPRC hired Houston’s first female TV reporter, Kay Bailey, who seemed like a nice UT Pi Phi, which she was. She became U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and then the U.S. ambassador to NATO. Channel 2 is a property of the Washington Post.

KHOU, Channel 11, the local CBS affiliate, started out in 1953 in Galveston as KGUL (the GUL standing for either seagull or Gulf of Mexico, take your pick). The station went through a number of owners including actor Jimmy Stewart. In 1959 KGUL was moved to Houston and became KHOU (K-HOUston). Today it is owned by Tegna out of Tysons Corner, Virginia. In 1998, it was the first station to sign on with a high-definition signal. Channel 11 was the launching pad for Dan Rather along with Linda Ellerbee and Jessica Savitch and sportscaster Jim Nantz.

KTRK, Channel 13, the ABC affiliate, is usually the ratings leader in evening news. But its true claim to fame is that investigation by the station’s consumer watchdog, the late Marvin Zindler, which was the basis for Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Not many local news programs can say their work ended up on Broadway and Hollywood. KTRK has also been through many owners including, at one time, the Houston Chronicle and for years it called itself "The Houston Chronicle Station.” KTRK was a one-letter variation of the paper’s radio station, KTRH. Today, Channel 13 is owned by ABC/Disney which is based in Burbank, CA. Channel 26 KRIV (owned by Rupert Murdoch’s Fox News), began in 1971 as KVRL, and since then has changed ownership and call letters numerous times. From 1975 to 1978 it was KDOG, and its slogan was, “KDOG, Where Every Dog Has His Day.” This station struck fear into Houston with its nightly panic attack, “City Under Siege.” Reeks of professional journalism, doesn’t it? Channel 26 gives Houston something it needs: its late news runs at 9 p.m. That’s a great help to those who have the dawn shift at the refinery.

Channel 39, now called CW which is also KIAH, is owned by the (Chicago) Tribune Media Company, which went bankrupt. Once the parent company announced the creation of a new local news format in which there would be no on-air anchors and few live reports. The newscasts would rely on narration over a stream of clips, which would require fewer bodies to produce. Unfortunately, the guy who thought of this and was to implement it was fired after a scathing magazine article about his boorishness.

Our local PBS station, KUHT, is the very first PBS station in the nation. The station threw out its first tote bag in 1953. And they say Texans ain’t got no couth. The station is owned by the UH System and is housed on the UH campus. My wife and I like to watch the PBS NewsHour each weeknight, especially the left-vs-right opinions of Shields and Brooks on Friday nights. Unlike their shouting, interrupting counterparts on Fox News, this duo gives out knowledgeable and calm opinions. Because we watch KUHT, we give during its weekly fund drive, sometimes anonymously since once you get on the station’s donors’ list, you get hit up constantly. KUHT spends more money trying to get more money from me than I give.

Ashby is not on TV at ashby2@comcast TRAVEL ISSUE 2019

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2019

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

A lawyer’s job is to relentlessly work the legal system to get the best possible results for their clients. Whether it’s a personal matter or a business-related issue, we all seek the counsel of an attorney at some point in life. The good news is that our metropolis is brimming with highly specialized lawyers to tackle your every obstacle, from complex litigation and intellectual property to family and personalinjury law. By nominations from clients and peers as well as rigorous background checks, we proudly present our annual list of Top Lawyers. Congratulations to this year’s honorees.

Every effort has been made to verify information for the professionals listed.

Any omissions or inaccuracies are unintentional and H Texas magazine cannot be held liable. If your legal professional does not appear on the list, that does not mean that he or she is not the best professional for you.

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

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MARCELA HALMAGEAN M Halmagean PLLC | Attorney at Law INDIVIDUAL NEEDS OF EACH ONE OF HER CLIENTS. “I’m innovative,

creative, daring and I do my homework,” she says. Her commitment to researching and applying the law, insisting on close attorney-client communication, full availability, and aggressive representation has earned her clients’ respect.

Her general practice revolves around business and family law, whether such practice involves litigation, mediation, or collaborative law. She is committed to working with each client closely to research and use the law to support the facts in each case.

During her professional tenure, Halmagean has worked for large corporate concerns, managing outside counsel on behalf of her employers, representing them in legal matters, including white-collar crime cases, breach of contract and partnership disputes. Because of her background, her passion lies with cases that involve complex fact structure and issues that tend to be rejected as “loosers” by other attorneys.

Marcela Halmagean has a two-year degree in Public Speaking, an undergraduate degree in Accounting, an MBA, and has been licensed by the Texas Supreme Court as an attorney since September of 1997. She is also a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). For all the years she has been working as an attorney, she has built a bond with each and every one of her clients. “I work with them directly as opposed to assigning them to an associate attorney or a legal assistant,” she says. “Every client, regardless of the area of law, needs a whole lot of support and a periodic reality check to complement the legal advice for which they are paying. When you combine that with a whole lot of carrying, and full access and availability, it makes for long-lasting relationships.”

Educated right here in Houston, Halmagean immigrated to the United States from Romania in 1983 at the age of 19. She quickly learned English and went on to building her educational credentials. By 1997 and only thirteen years after coming to this country as an immigrant, she passed the Texas Bar Examination while sitting for it under the Texas Bar Examination “Rule of 86.”

The “Rule of 86” allowed her to sit for the Bar Exam before she graduated law school and once she successfully completed 86 credit hours before the final semester in law school.

While attending law school, Halmagean clerked with the Harris County District Attorney’s office in the Special Crimes Division, assisting prosecutors with the preparation and prosecution of white-collar crime cases. Later, she worked on the criminal defense side as a law clerk for Hinton Susman Bailey, a prominent Houston criminal defense law firm.

M HALMAGEAN PLLC 1800 Bering Dr., Ste. 280 Houston, TX 77057 713-975-1202 • halmagean.com

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After she passed the Bar Exam and graduated law school in May of 1997, she accepted her first job as project counsel consultant, in Zurich, Switzerland, for one of the then “Big Five” Accounting Firms. She was assigned to what today is largely referred to as the “Holocaust Project.” During this period, Halmagean served as the legal liaison on banking and privacy-law issues while supervising the risk-management and compliance functions for the project.

While in Zurich, Halmagean was offered a position as an Associate General Counsel for a multi-national corporation with its headquarters in Europe.

She accepted the offer and was transferred to Princeton, NJ, where her oldest child who is now 18 years old and a freshman student at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, was born.

On September 11, 2001, and only months after her first child was born, Halmagean was in Washington DC on a job-related matter while her family was in Princeton. The trauma of having to live through the anxiety and fears that September 11, 2001 brought caused her to rethink her priorities. On that day, she decided to leave the corporate arena and start her own law practice…back here, in her adopted hometown. From that day onward, she never looked back.

Currently, Halmagean is a member of The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, The State Bar of Texas, Houston Bar Association and an Alumnae of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston–Business and Professional Women’s Association. “I’m one of the few attorneys out there who love their work. Since I have been in private practice, I have been waking up every morning with the most difficult dilemma on my mind: whether I should take time off and spend it with my children or whether I should schedule them for activities so I can work with my clients on their pressing issues. With time,” Halmagean says, “it got easier, of course. Our oldest is now in college and our 13-yearold boy is beginning to exert his independence from his mom and dad. The one thing that has been consistent in my life is my passion for my children and my clients…but when my children are going to be long gone, tending to their own adulthood, my clients will still be here. My clients give me purpose and for as long as I feel that way, who needs therapy, right?” Halmagean also admits that tending to her clients and their needs at full availability fills a void that is now left by having one child out of the home and in college, which is a transition for a parent, especially if all planning in life was done around that child. “I’m grateful for the opportunity I have been given to help people in need. There isn’t a more satisfying feeling except perhaps for learning that your child is emotionally adjusting very well in college, while far from home.” The giggle was soft but audible. “I’m here to stay, I guess.”

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2019

MARCELA HALMAGEAN FOCUSES HER LAW PRACTICE ON THE

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

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ROBERT WOODS

Personal Injury–Criminal AS A RETIRED POLICE LIEUTENANT AND A GRADUATE OF THE FBI NATIONAL ACADEMY,

attorney Robert Woods of Woods Law Firm has an advantage over most criminal and personal injury attorneys. With more than 20 years of experience in investigation and law enforcement, he knows how to build and defend cases.

“I’ve dedicated my life to protecting Texans and upholding the law. As your attorney, I will investigate and process your case with the utmost integrity and zeal,” says Woods.

The Woods Law Firm represents individuals and families facing personal-injury crises as well as those facing criminal charges.

The primary focus of the firm has been representing victims injured in 18-wheeler, auto and motorcycle accidents, DUI accidents, commercial vehicle accidents and animal bites and attacks. Woods is wellknown among his peers for his quick recognition of liability and aggressive pursuit of justice.

“At the Woods Law Firm, you get personal attention regarding your case. Our firm is small enough to give you the personal attention you deserve, but large enough to go against the big insurance companies,” explains Woods.

Attorney Woods holds a degree in criminal justice from Sam Houston University and a law degree from South Texas College of Law. WOODS LAW FIRM, PC 2016 Main St., Ste. 111 Houston, TX 77002

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2019

713-651-1115 • attorneyrobertwoods.com

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

JARED R. WOODFILL Attorney at Law

TALENT WITH BROAD LITIGATION EXPERIENCE IN FAMILY LAW, BUSINESS LITIGATION, PERSONAL INJURY AND ISSUES INVOLVING CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS. Mr. Woodfill is a 1990 graduate of the University of Texas and received his law degree from St. Mary’s University in 1993 where he was cum laude graduate. He is active in Houston-area community issues and served as Chairman of the Harris County Republican Party from 2002-2014. Mr. Woodfill has tried hundreds of cases around the country and handled numerous appeals.

Mr. Woodfill is licensed to practice in Texas and New York state courts, as well as the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, United States Court of Federal Claims and U.S. District Courts for Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas and the U.S. Courts of Appeals, Fifth Circuit.

In 2015, Mr. Woodfill was named Local Person of the year by Fox 26 Roundup. In 2016, 2017, and 2018 Woodfill was named one of the Houston’s top lawyers by Houstonia Magazine. He has also received the TRL Defender of Life Award, Texas Values’ Kelly Shackleford Award, San Jacinto

Republican’s Patriot Award, and Vision America’s Local Hero of the Faith Award.

Woodfill Law Firm and its team of lawyers and paralegals guide each client through the legal process with passion and attention to detail utilizing modern technical trial practices.

The firm utilizes state-of-the-art technology, powerful graphic presentations and the latest trial science techniques to achieve favorable results. Mr. Woodfill’s commitment to superior client service is reflected throughout Woodfill Law’s attitude, philosophy and our approach to the law- that’s why people turn to Woodfill Law Firm.

WOODFILL LAW FIRM 3 Riverway, Ste. 750 Houston, TX 77056 713-751-3080 • woodfilllaw.com

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2019

FOUNDING PARTNER JARED WOODFILL IS A DYNAMIC COURTROOM

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

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TOP LAWYERS IN PERSONAL INJURY

TOP LAWYERS IN FAMILY LAW & DIVORCE

ADAMS LAW FIRM Personal Injury

Family Law & Divorce THE FAMILY LAW GROUP AT ADAMS LAW FIRM STANDS TALL FOR

PERSONAL INJURY LAWSUITS. He is Double Board Certified in

TEXANS DURING DIFFICULT TIMES. The firm has been representing

Personal Injury by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and Civil Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocates.

Will has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer in Texas and has been selected as a Texas Super Lawyer ® in Texas Monthly every year since 2010 and one of the ‘Top Lawyers for Personal Injury’ in Houston every year since 2006. Will currently serves as President of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association.

families and individuals in a wide range of challenging family law and divorce matters since 1977. The firm is proud of the recognition of Attorneys Heather M. Bachman and John F. Lemos as among Houston’s Top Lawyers for Family & Divorce for 2018. Heather is serving as President of the Fort Bend County Bar Association for 2019.

Adams law firm 62

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2019

WILL ADAMS AND HIS TEAM REPRESENT PLAINTIFFS IN SERIOUS

ADAMS LAW FIRM 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Ste. H205 Katy, TX 77494 281-391-9237 • adamslawpersonalinjury.com

CRAIN, CATON & JAMES Wills, Trusts & Estates

PROVIDE SERVICES TO CLIENTS in the areas of trusts, estates,

guardianships, and other forms of fiduciary litigation.

Sarah is repeatedly recognized for her expertise, including being named as one of the “Top 50 Female Attorneys in Texas” by Texas Monthly magazine and Best Lawyers’ Houston Litigation – Trust & Estates “Lawyer of the Year” in 2014 and 2017. She is a co-author of three legal treatises regarding estate, trust, and guardianship matters. Sarah attributes her success to her passion for this area of the law, and assembling a team of outstanding professionals who are committed to old-fashioned hard work.

Chasity Cooper concentrates on estate planning, administration and related tax issues, while Kathleen Tanner Beduze advises clients in all aspects of fiduciary, estate and trust litigation, as well as guardianship proceedings. Joshua Flores and Joe Savoie focus their practice on estate, trust and fiduciary litigation, along with business and commercial litigation.

Both Sarah and Chasity are Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law, by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. And, Kathleen and Josh have been named as Texas Super Lawyer Rising Stars by Texas Monthly magazine.

CRAIN, CATON & JAMES, PC 1401 McKinney St., Ste. 1700 Houston, TX 77010 713-752-8630 • craincaton.com

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2019

SARAH PATEL PACHECO AND HER TEAM OF TOP LAWYERS

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

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TYRONE C. MONCRIFFE Attorney at Law

THE NATIONAL BOARD OF TRIAL ADVOCACY, AND CERTIFIED FIRST CHAIR IN DEATH PENALTY CASES IN HARRIS COUNTY. Currently, he is a faculty member of the Criminal Law Institute. Moncriffe handles serious felony cases and always strives for excellence in the courtroom.

He graduated from Texas Southern University Magna Cum Laude and received his Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 1982. Texas Super Lawyers® in Texas Monthly magazine voted Moncriffe as one of the best in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 and Top Lawyers in H Texas magazine from 2008 to 2019.

He always believed that no goal is accomplished by one person. He acknowledges his wife Brenda and his daughter

TYRONE C. MONCRIFFE ASSOCIATES 1001 Texas Ave., Ste. 720 Houston, TX 77002 713-224-6628 • tyronemoncriffe.com

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HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

Chantel for constant support. His brothers Randy, Errol, Brian, and Burford and best friend Alvin Hubert have provided years of encouragement. He thanks his grandparents, Mary Moncriffe, Morris and Annie Conner and also his father Richard and Uncle Charles Moncriffe for never allowing him to give up his dreams, and the loving memory of his beloved mother Lois Moncriffe, who told him to, “always reach for the sky and even if you fail you will be among the stars.”

Moncriffe gives acknowledgement to Sandra Zimmer of Self Expression Center; she taught him the importance of, “being with the audience and not performing for them.”

Moncriffe has dedicated himself to constant selfimprovement and providing the best representation possible for his clients.

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2019

TYRONE C. MONCRIFFE IS BOARD CERTIFIED IN CRIMINAL LAW BY

BRANN SULLIVAN | TRIAL LAWYERS, PLLC Personal Injury

THE SHARED VISION OF ACHIEVING THE BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOMES FOR THEIR CLIENTS. Brann Sullivan | Trial Lawyers brings a formidable combined five and a half decades of personal injury litigation experience to work on clients’ behalf. In their first two years practicing together, Scott and Roger have assembled a strong team of professionals who are making that vision a reality every day, obtaining millions of dollars in settlements for the firm’s clients.

Scott received his law degree from South Texas College of Law and is licensed by the Texas, Florida, and U.S. Supreme

Courts. Roger earned his law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law. Both are Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law and both are proud to have been elected to membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates. Over the years, they have earned numerous awards from a variety of professional organizations recognizing their accomplishments.

Amid the ever-changing world of personal injury litigation, Brann Sullivan|Trial Lawyers remains steadfast in our commitment to fight for our clients against powerful interests.

We work hard to make sure that our clients secure a fair process that delivers just compensation for the harm they have suffered.

BRANN SULLIVAN 602 Sawyer St., Ste. 700 Houston, TX 77007

713-278-7425 • bstrial.com

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2019

IN 2017, SCOTT BRANN AND ROGER SULLIVAN JOINED FORCES WITH

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

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ADMIRALTY F. Daniel Knight Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry chamberlainlaw.com 713-658-1818 Matthew D. Shaffer Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris, LLP smslegal.com 713-524-3500 Michael D. Williams Brown Sims, PC brownsims.com 713-629-1580

APPELLATE LAW & ESTATE PLANNING Julia Dean The Dean Law Firm PLLC juliadeanlaw.com 281-277-3326

APPELLATE, BUSINESS, CIVIL & COMMERCIAL LITIGATION Joan Bain Bain & Bain, PLLC bainandbainlaw.net 713-629-6222 Scott Cunningham The Cunningham Law Firm thecunninghamlawfirm.com 713-273-8950

Ryan Dove Dove Law Firm, PLLC dovebankruptcylaw.com 832-509-3400

Melissa Martin Garcia-martin & Martin, PC mgmartinlaw.com 281-277-3066

Joseph Epstein Winstead, PC 713-650-2740

Raymond Panneton Hendershot, Cannon & Hisey PC hchlawyers.com 713-783-3110

Elizabeth Carol Freeman Jackson Walker jw.com 713-752-4200 Brian Kilmer Kilmer Crosby & Quadros PLLC kcq-lawfirm.com 713-300-9662

Benjamin Sanchez Sanchez Law Firm sanchezlawfirm.com 713-780-7745

BUSINESS & COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

Demetra Liggins Thompson & Knight, LLP 713-951-5884

Dylan Russell Hoover Slovacek LLP hooverslovacek.com 713-977-8686

Wendie Childress Yetter Coleman LLP 713-632-8000

Chris Morrison filebankruptcyhouston.com 713-863-1001

Scott M Clearman The Clearman Law Firm, PLLC 713-223-7070

BANKING

APPELLATE

Nelson Block Winstead, PC winstead.com 713-650-2400

Heather Potts McFall Breitbeil & Smith 713-590-9365

Jeffrey Davis Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP bradley.com 713-576-0370

ANTITRUST LITIGATION Russell Chorush Heim, Payne & Chorush, LLP hpcllp.com 713-221-2021

Noel Terry Adams, Jr Akerman LLP akerman.com 713-960-7319 Courtney T. Carlson Jackson Walker jw.com 713-752-4200 Claudia Frost Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP 713-276-7648 Joel Glover Jackson Walker jw.com 713-752-4200 Dawn S. Holiday Jackson Walker jw.com 713-752-4200 David Holman The Holman Law Firm, PC 713-400-4840 Dori Kornfeld Goldman Yetter Coleman LLP 713-632-8000 Robert York godwinlewis.com 713-595-8301

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George Craft, Jr. Winstead, PC winstead.com 713-650-2751 Kari Robinson Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC bakerdonelson.com 713-650-9700 Cassandra Smith Winstead, PC 713-650-2732 Doug Stewart Winstead, PC winstead.com 713-650-2705

BANKRUPTCY & WORKOUT Jay Bender Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP bradley.com 713-576-0300 Matthew D. Cavenaugh Jackson Walker jw.com 713-752-4200

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

Craig Power Cokinos Bosien & Young cbylaw.com 713-535-5500 Ronald Sommers Nathan Sommers Jacobs, PC 713-960-0303 Eric Southward Busby & Associates, PC busby-lee.com 713-974-1151 Christian Sternat bankruptcylawyer-houston.com 714-686-8961 Neil Wasserstrom Mayer Brown Rowe & Maw LLP 713-546-0510 Randy Williams Thompson & Knight, LLP 713-654-8111

BUSINESS & CIVIL LITIGATION

Doug Griffith Yetter Coleman LLP 713-632-8000 Simon Hendershot III Kerr, Hendershot & Cannon, PC k-hpc.com 713-783-3110 Andrew Hicks Schiffer Odom Hicks & Johnson, PLLC sohjlaw.com 713-357-5150 Pamela Hohensee Yetter Coleman LLP 713-632-8000 Peter Scaff Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP bradley.com 713-576-0300 Cody Schneider Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams, & Aughtry chamberlainlaw.com 713-356-1613

Benjamin Hisey Hendershot, Cannon & Hisey PC hchlawyers.com 713-783-3110

Nicolas Thompson Yetter Coleman LLP 713-632-8000

Dale Jefferson Martin, Desiere, Jefferson & Wisdom mdjwlaw.com 713-632-1700

Brandon Allen Reynolds Frizzell Black Doyle Allen & Oldham, LLP 713-485-7200

BUSINESS LITIGATION

RAED GONZALEZ, JD LLM Immigration RAED GONZALEZ IS THE CHAIRMAN OF GONZALEZ OLIVIERI LLC. His

firm has developed into an immigration powerhouse, obtaining success in a number of difficult and complicated cases for his clients. Mr. Gonzalez is skilled in all aspects of civil and federal litigation. He is admitted to practice before: the nation’s Immigration Courts; the Board of Immigration Appeals; the Texas Supreme Court; the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico; the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas; the U.S. Courts of Appeal for the 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th, 9th, and 11th Circuits; and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Gonzalez has fought for the rights of his clients all the way to the Supreme Court, where he has had four victories: Dada v. Mukasey, 128 S. Ct. 2307 (2008) (winning a groundbreaking triumph before the U.S. Supreme Court where the Court granted and remanded the case); Alexis v. Holder, No. 09-955, unpublished (June 21, 2010) (receiving a second grant of certiorari before the U.S. Supreme Court on a collaborative effort); Mata v. Lynch, 135 S.Ct. 2150 (2015) (holding in an 8-1 decision that the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals erred in finding that it did not have jurisdiction to review the Board of Immigration Appeals’ denial of an untimely motion to reopen); and Diaz-Esparza v. Sessions, No. 17-820, unpublished (June 15, 2018).

Under his leadership, Gonzalez Olivieri LLC has experienced significant growth. The firm currently employs 16 attorneys, all of whom strive to achieve the best results possible for their diverse clients. In light of Mr. Mr. Gonzalez considerable experience, his firm is able to offer legal expertise in the areas of business immigration, family-based immigration, and removal defense. Mr. Gonzalez also serves as a frequent contributor in the media, making appearances on CBS, CNN, ABC News, FOX News, Univision, Telemundo, among others.

His cases have been covered by the New York Times, the Houston Chronicle and National Media newspapers. Under his leadership, Gonzalez Olivieri LLC provides tactical solutions and expert knowledge to each client’s case.

Under the leadership of Mr. Gonzalez, Gonzalez Olivieri LLC provides tactical solutions and expert knowledge to each client’s case.

GONZALEZ OLIVIERI LLC 2200 Southwest Freeway, Ste. 550 Houston, TX 77098

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2019

713-481-3040 • gonzalezolivierillc.com

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

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Kathleen Boll Henke Law Firm, LLP henkelawfirm.com 713-940-4500

Lionel Martin Garcia Martin & Martin PC mgmartinlaw.com 281-277-3066

Josh Bowlin Walston & Bowlin walstonbowlin.com 713-300-8700

George Murr Business Litigation my-lawyers.com 713-966-6141

W. Montgomery Briscoe Eggleston & Briscoe, LLP egglestonbriscoe.com 713-659-5100

Donald McFall McFall, Breitbeil & Smith 713-590-9300

Robert Burford Burford Perry LLP burfordperry.com 713-401-9790

Stephanie Roman Roman Law Firm romanlawfirm.com 713-337-6449

Jeffrey Hastings Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC bakerdonelson.com 713-650-9700 Joseph Kennedy Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC bakerdonelson.com 713-650-9700 David Loveless Eggleston & Briscoe, LLP 713-659-5100 Kenneth McKay Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC bakerdonelson.com 713-650-9700

Collin Cox Yetter Coleman LLP 713-632-8000

David Smith Eggleston & Briscoe, LLP egglestonbriscoe.com 713-659-5100

Dax Faubus Faubus & Scarborough, LLP 713-222-6400

Harry Susman Susman Godfrey, LLP 713-653-7875

Ada Ferrer Burford Perry, LLP burfordperry.com 713-401-9790

Cliff Walston Walston & Bowlin walstonbowlin.com 713-300-8700

Matthew Foytlin Winstead, PC winstead.com 713-650-2653

Teri Walter Walter Law Firm, PC prevaillawyers.com 713-529-2020

Toby Fullmer Toby Fullmer LLC fullmerlegal.com 713-355-4357

Kiren Wheeler Rapp & Krock 713-759-9977

Keshia Rodriguez Sedgwick, LLP sedgwicklaw.com 832-426-7000

Jett Williams Henke Law Firm, LLP henkelawfirm.com 713-940-4500

James Zucker Yetter Coleman LLP yettercoleman.com 713-632-8000

BUSINESS, CIVIL & COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

BUSINESS, CIVIL, COMMERCIAL LITIGATION & INSURANCE

Robin Gibbs Gibbs & Bruns gibbsbruns.com 713-650-8805 Raymond Gregory II Eggleston & Briscoe, LLP egglestonbriscoe.com 713-659-5100 Daniel Hedges Porter & Hedges, LLP 713-226-6641 Patrick Larkin The Larkin Law Firm larkin-law.com 281-412-7500 Tony Malley Malley Law Firm 713-858-8143 Neal Manne Susman Godfrey, LLP 713-653-7827

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Rob Ellis Yetter Coleman LLP 713-632-8078 William Engelhaupt Alston & Engelhaupt aeattorney.com 281-277-9872 Adam Green Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC bakerdonelson.com 713-650-9700 Andrew Green McCathern, PLLC mccathernlaw.com 832-533-8689

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

Bruce Oakley Hogan Lovells Us, LLP hoganlovells.com 713-632-1400 Matthew Parks Burford Perry, LLP burfordperry.com 713-401-9790 Christopher Porter Yetter Coleman LLP yettercoleman.com 713-632-8000

William Eggleston Eggleston & Briscoe, LLP egglestonbriscoe.com 713-659-5100 John Michael Raborn Eggleston & Briscoe, LLP 713-659-5100 Martin Schexnayder Winget Spadafora & Schwartzberg wssllp.com 713-343-9200

BUSINESS, CIVIL, COMMERCIAL LITIGATION & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Wesley Lotz Fulkerson Lotz, LLP fulkersonlotz.com 713-654-5830 Veronica Montemayor McCathern, PLLC mccathernlaw.com 832-533-8689

CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES Bert Steinmann Steinmann Law Firm steinmannlaw.com (936) 441-8675

CIVIL & COMMERCIAL, LABOR/EMPLOYMENT, PERSONAL INJURY Phil Griffis The Law Office of Phil Griffis griffislawfirm.com 832-284-4013

CIVIL & COMMERCIAL, MEDICAL MALPRACTICE W. Mark Lanier The Lanier Law Firm 713-659-5200

CIVIL LITIGATION Allison Beckham Litigation craincaton.com 713-658-2323 Jason Bernhardt Winstead, PC 713-650-8400 Brittany Bouette McCathern PLLC mccathernlaw.com 832-533-8689 Robert Clark, Sr. Clark & Jordan, LP houtexlaw.com 713-236-0000 Paul Heyburn Mehaffyweber, PC mehaffyweber.com 713-655-1200 Richard Kaplan Weycer Kaplan Pulaski & Zuber, PC wkpz.com 713-961-9045

ABRAHAM, WATKINS, NICHOLS, SORRELS, AGOSTO & AZIZ Personal Injury/Business Litigation Since 1951

WHILE CLIENTS HAVE TRUSTED US WITH THEIR LEGAL MATTERS FOR CLOSE TO 70 YEARS, ATTORNEYS ACROSS THE STATE HAVE TRUSTED US TOO.

Our firm is proud to note that our partners have set a new benchmark in the firm’s long history of leadership and recognition.

Randy Sorrels – President, State Bar of Texas – the third largest bar in the country

Mo Aziz – Recipient of the Distinguished Member Award from the South Asian Bar Association of Houston

Benny Agosto, Jr. – President, Houston Bar Association – the largest local bar in Texas

Brant Stogner – President, South Texas College of Law Houston Alumni Association – an organization with more than 15,000 members

BACK ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: ANGELINA WIKE, IMRANA L. MANZANARES, LENA B. LAURENZO, JONATHAN D. SNEED, ALEXANDRA L. FARIAS-SORRELS, JENNIFER O’BRIEN STOGNER, CIRO J. SAMPERI, KELLY M. WOODS, MICHELLE A. CIOLEK, KARL P. LONG

FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: MUHAMMAD S. AZIZ, BENNY AGOSTO, JR., RANDALL O. SORRELS, NICK C. NICHOLS, BRANT J. STOGNER

SORRELS, AGOSTO & AZIZ 800 Commerce Street Houston, TX 77002

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2019

ABRAHAM, WATKINS, NICHOLS,

713-222-7211 • abrahamwatkins.com

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

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Harry Klaff Brown Sims 713-629-1580 Miles Klaff Brown Sims brownsims.com 713-529-1580 James Leahy gtlaw.com 713-374-3534 Michael Lowenberg The Oquinn Law Firm 713-223-1000 James Martingano Mehaffyweber, PC 713-210-8947 Kevin Murray murrlaw.com 713-355-5500 Jacks Nickens McGuire Woods, LLP 713-571-9191 Chris Pappas Kane Russell Coleman & Logan, PC 713-425-7400 Craig Ribbeck The Ribbeck Law Firm ribbecklawfirm.com 713-621-5220 Timothy Rothberg Rothberg PLLC rothberg.law 281-560-3825 Craig Saunders Barlow Jones, LLP 281-488-8440 Joe R. Savoie Crain, Caton & James, PC craincaton.com 713-658-2323 Jeffery Steidley steidleylaw.com 713-523-9595 David Thrasher Kane Russell Coleman & Logan, PC 713-425-7415 Marc Tittlebaum Tittlebaum Law Firm 713-349-4275

Jan Woodward Fox 713-623-6800

CIVIL LITIGATION & CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Dan D'acquisto D'acquisto, PLLC 713-974-1488 Brannon Dillard Winstead, PC winstead.com 713-650-2711

Frederick Williams II fdwilliams.com 281-970-5556

John Davis Brown Sims brownsims.com 713-629-1580

CIVIL LITIGATION & FAMILY LAW

CIVIL LITIGATION, LABOR/EMPLOYMENT

Paul Savinov The Huynh Law Firm, PLLC thehuynhlawfirm.com 281-702-8128

Kevin Fulton The Fulton Law Office 713-677-0109

John Easton Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP 713-276-7624

CIVIL LITIGATION, MASS/ TOXIC TORT, PERSONAL INJURY

Richard Fason Patterson, Boyd & Lowery, PC 713-222-0351

Paul Griffin Bunnell Williams Kherkher Hart & Boundas, LLP williamskherkher.com 713-230-2200

Cory Fein Cory Fein Law Firm 713-730-5001

Jared Woodfill Woodfill Law Firm, PC woodfilllaw.com 713-751-3080

CIVIL LITIGATION & INSURANCE Barbara Barron Mehaffyweber, PC 713-655-1200 Kevin Dossett Preis Plc preisplc.com 713-355-6062

CIVIL LITIGATION & PERSONAL INJURY Sherie Beckman Mithoff Law mithofflaw.com 713-654-1122 Janie Jordan Mithoff Law mithofflaw.com 713-654-1122 Hank Stout Sutliff & Stout sutliffstout.com 713-987-7111

CIVIL LITIGATION, MEDIATION, PERSONAL INJURY Bruce Bain Bain & Bain bainandbainlaw.net 713-629-6222

CLASS ACTION LITIGATION Sharla Frost 713-767-1555

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION Tom Ajamie Ajamie LLP ajamie.com 713-860-1600 John Bissell Strong Pipkin Bissell Ledyard 713-651-1900

CIVIL LITIGATION, CRIMINAL DEFENSE, PERSONAL INJURY & REAL ESTATE

Hilary Borow Winstead, PC winstead.com 713-650-8400

Arden Morley The Morley Law Firm morleylaw.com 713-839-9956

Kiwi Camara Camara & Sibley, LLP 713-966-6789

Dick Watt Watt Beckworth Thompson & Henneman, LLP 713-650-8100

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CIVIL LITIGATION, INSURANCE, LEGAL MALPRACTICE & PERSONAL INJURY

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

Armando Chiu Phillips & Akers, PC 713-552-9595 C. Vance Christopher Crain, Caton & James, PC 713-658-2323

Ty Doyle Smyser Kaplan Veselka LLP 713-221-2300

Tom Fulkerson Fulkerson Lotz LLP fulkersonlotz.com 713-654-5800 Ethan Gibson Fulkerson Lotz LLP 713-654-5800 Nathan Graham Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP bradley.com 713-576-0300 Charlie Henke Henke, Williams & Boll, LLP henkelawfirm.com 713-940-4500 Dean Hunt Baker & Hostetler, LLP 713-646-1346 Caroline Jacobs Buck Keenan, LLP 713-225-4500 Kristin Kruse Winstead, PC winstead.com 713-410-8183 David McDougald Attorney at Law thekimlawfirm.com 713-522-1177 Shannon Quadros Kilmer Crosby & Walker PLLC kcw-lawfirm.com 713-204-4144

GRECO NEYLAND, PC Criminal Defense

PRACTICING STATE AND FEDERAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE. With a

full legal staff of attorneys, paralegals and investigators with offices in Houston, New York and Los Angeles, the firm has the reputation, experience and resources to provide effective legal representation and get great results.

GRECO NEYLAND, PC 701 N. Post Oak Rd., Ste. 425 Houston, TX 77024 713-972-1100 • greconeylandtx.com

The attorneys with Greco Neyland, PC have years of experience trying cases to juries across the state of Texas and in Federal Courts. Managing Partner, Dustan Neyland (right) and Senior Associate, Ben Pearce (left) are both located in the Houston office. Call us today at 713-972-1100 to schedule a meeting to discuss your case.

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2019

GRECO NEYLAND, PC IS A CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAW FIRM

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

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Kent Radford Camara & Sibley 713-966-6789 Mindy Riseden Crain, Caton & James, PC 713-658-2323 Rocky Robinson Andrews Kurth, LLP 713-220-4182 William Russell Schirrmeister Diaz-arrastia Brem, LLP 713-221-2500 Adam Schiffer Schiffer Odom Hicks & Johnson, PLLC sohjlaw.com 713-357-5150

COMMERICAL CIVIL & APPELLATE LITIGATION Godwin Lewis 713-595-8300

CONSTRUCTION Heather Asselin Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP kilpatricktownsend.com 281-809-4079 Jason Davis Crain, Caton & James, PC 713-658-2323 John Engvall Engvall & York, LLP 713-787-6700

Charles Schwartz Skadden Arps Slate Meagher Flom, LLP 713-655-5100

Christopher Farrar Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP bradley.com 713-576-0300

Russell Smith Ware Jackson Lee Chambers 713-659-6400

Debra Norris 713-858-0359

Thane "Tyler" Sponsel III Sponsel Miller Greenberg 713-892-5400

CONSTRUCTION & ENERGY/NATURAL RESOURCES, OIL/GAS

John Stevenson Stevenson & Murray 713-622-3223

James "Jim" Collura Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP bradley.com 713-576-0300

Brian Wunder Fulkerson Lotz LLP 713-654-5824

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION & ENVIRONMENTAL LAW Robert Morse III Crain, Caton & James, PC 713-658-2323

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION & PERSONAL INJURY Ernest "Butch" Boyd Butch Boyd Law Firm 713-589-8477 William G. Hagans Hagans Burdine Montgomery & Rustay PC hagans.law 713-222-2700

Ian Faria Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP bradley.com 713-576-0300 Paula Johnson Phillips 66 phillips66.com 832-765-2832

CONSUMER LAW Dana Karni Karni Law Firm, PC texasconsumerdebt.com 713-552-0008 Zachary McArthur Karni Law Firm, PC karnilawfirm.com 713-552-0008

Jennifer B. Rustay Hagans Burdine Montgomery & Rustay PC 713-222-2700

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HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

CORPORATE & SECURITIES David Loev The Loev Law Firm, PC 713-524-4110 Sabrina A. McTopy Jackson Walker jw.com 713-752-4200

CORPORATE FINANCE; MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS Thomas Brandt Latham & Watkins 713-546-7486 Mark Hughes Corporate hakllp.com 713-443-2104

CORPORATE FINANCE; MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS, FINANCE Shalla A. Prichard Gibson, Dunn, And Crutcher, LLC (346) 718-6600

CORPORATE LAW Will Anderson Bracewell & Giuliani, LLP 713-221-1122 Bill McDonald Thompson & Knight LLP tklaw.com 713-951-5832 Bob Rapfogel Rap Firm 832-408-6400

CORPORATE, CORPORATE FINANCE; MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS Marissa Arreola Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC bakerdonelson.com 713-650-9700 Ronald Wright McCathern, PLLC mccathernlaw.com 832-533-8689

CORPORATE, FRANCHISE AND DEVELOPMENT Michael Longoria International Center for Entrepreneurial Development, Inc. 281-256-4238

CORPORATE, REAL ESTATE F. Maxwell Evans Eggleston & Briscoe, LLP egglestonbriscoe.com 713-659-5100

CORPORATE, TECHNOLOGY Jason Smith Apttus 832-470-5178

CRIMINAL DEFENSE Gilbert Alvarado Criminal Defense galvaradolaw.com 713-236-8700 Eric Benavides Benavides & Serrano ericbenavides.com 713-222-2828 Wilvin Carter Law Office of Wilvin Carter 713-454-9890 Jay Cohen Blass Law, PLLC blasslaw.com 713-225-1900 Danny Easterling Easterling & Easterling PC easterlinglawfirm.com 713-228-4441 John Floyd III John Floyd Law Firm 713-224-0101 Rachel Fraser Law Fraser, PLLC lawfraser.com 713-252-7281 Charles Ganz ganzdefenselaw.com 713-222-6644 Charles Johnson houstonlawyer.com 713-222-7577 David Kiatta David Kiatta, Attorney at Law kiatta-law.com 713-785-8005 Jim Lavine Zimmermann, Lavine, Zimmermann, & Sampson, PC texasdefenselawyers.com 713-552-0300

LARRY CHAMBERLIN Family Law & Mediation

In the young child’s father’s house there is a photograph of the two of them his dad is on his left and the child, about nine, stands all the way to the picture’s side with his dad’s arm behind him, hand resting on his left shoulder.

The child is beaming in delight, pure joy of living written on his face and dad looks admirably proud.

Another arm comes from off frame held behind the child and smaller hand rests upon his right shoulder.

In his mother’s house is another photo: he is on the right and his mother the left; he wears the same beatific countenance

CHAMBERLIN LAW & MEDIATION 3724 Cypress Creek Parkway, Ste. 222 Houston, TX 77068 281-580-2222 • LarryChamberlin.com

and his mother looks spirited with love.

The arm which comes from off frame is held behind the child and familiar hand rests upon his left shoulder.

LMC 19 July 2019

YOU CANNOT POSSESS THE HAPPINESS OF A CHILD. You must

share it with the sun, the moon and the other parent.

Before earning his Juris Doctor from Tulane Law School, where he was elected to the National Order of Barristers in 1988, Mr. Chamberlin received a Masters of Arts in International Business Management at the University of Texas at Dallas. He is also Board Certified in Family Law, a member of Mensa and in 2006 while in the Juvenile Forensic Psychology Masters program, he was elected to Psi Chi, the prestigious psychology honor society.

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2019

Split

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

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Thomas A. Martin Law Offices of Thomas A. Martin thomasamartinlaw.com 713-222-0556 Linda Mazzagatti 713-661-0043 Kenneth P McDaniel McDaniel Law Office mcdaniellegal.com 713-240-4646 Larry P McDougal, Sr Law Office of Larry McDougal larrymcdougal.com 281-238-8500 Armen Merjanian Armen Merjanian, Lawyer 281-232-0505 Phil Morin The Morin Law Firm philmorinlaw.com 281-229-2883 Dustan Neyland Greco Neyland PC greconeylandtx.com 713-972-1100 Ben Pearce Greco Neyland, PC greconeylandtx.com 713-972-1100 Joe Ray Rodriguez Rodriguez & Associates, PC 713wasntme.com 713-522-3232 Mark Thiessen Thiessen Law Firm thetexastrialattorney.com 713-864-9000

CRIMINAL DEFENSE, DUI/DWI Keith Allen Law Offices of Keith Allen kgallenlaw.com 832-230-0075 Brian Ayson Ayson Law Firm 832-304-2176 James "Jim" Butler Law Office of James Butler 713-236-8744 Jose Ceja Ceja Law Firm, PLLC cejalawfirm.com 713-568-5380 Sean Darvishi The Law Offices of Sean R Darvishi PLLC defendmetexas.com 832-766-4019 Steve Dennis Steve Dennis, Attorney at Law stevedennislawyer.com 936-539-1234 Alexander Gurevich The Law Offices of Alexander Gurevich 713-224-9600 Charles Kingsbury Kingsbury Law Firm kingsburylawfirm.com 832-315-0070 Herman Martinez Madrid, Martinez & Associates 713-225-1038 John Papantonakis 713-574-7507

Gus Saper Mallett, Saper, & Berg, LLP msblawyers.com 713-236-1900

Anthony Segura 281-242-7070

Randy Schaffer The Schaffer Law Firm 713-951-9555

James Randall Smith Law Office of James Randall Smith texasparole.com 713-630-0500

Paul Schiffer Law Office of Paul Schiffer paulschifferlaw.com 713-521-0059 Mekisha Jane Walker Walker Law Houston walkerlawhouston.com.

713-228-2611 Michael Westbrook II The Westbrook Firm, PC 713-893-6204

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Geoff Womack Guy Womack & Associates, PC guywomack.com 713-224-8815 Shahin Zamir The Law Office of Shahin Zamir, PLLC criminallawyersinhouston.com 832-372-7571

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

Jonathan Zendeh Del Zendeh Del & Associates, PLLC galvestonjustice.com 409-740-1111

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: WHITE COLLAR Dane Ball Smyser Kaplan Veselka LLP skv.com 713-221-2300 Sadiyah Evangelista Law Office of Sadiyah Evangelista 832-623-2323 Matt Hennessy Deguerin, Dickson, Hennessy & Ward 713-223-5959 Philip Hilder Hilder & Associates hilderlaw.com 713-655-9111 Edward Mallett Mallett Saper, LLP 713-236-1900 Gerardo Montalvo Montalvo Law Firm, PLLC montalvolawfirm.com 713-526-5002 Heather Peterson Nugent & Peterson 713-227-4000 Grant Scheiner Law Office of Grant Scheiner 713-783-8998 Jack Zimmermann Zimmermann Lavine & Zimmermann, PC texasdefenselawyers.com 713-552-0300

CRIMINAL LAW Tyrone C. Moncriffe Tyrone C. Moncriffe and Associates tyronemoncriffe.com 713-224-6628

DIVORCE Shawn Rudisel Rudisel Law Firm houstondivorcesource.com 713-781-7775

ELDER LAW, FAMILY LAW, WILLS, TRUSTS AND ESTATES Kim Hegwood Hegwood Law Group hegwoodlaw.com 281-218-0880

ELDER LAW, WILLS, TRUSTS AND ESTATES Sidney Braquet Braquet Law Firm braquetlawfirm.com 713-863-9333

ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES John Ale Skadden Arps Slate Meagher Flom, LLP 713-655-5263

ENVIRONMENTAL LAW Kelly Brown Crain, Caton & James craincaton.com 713-658-2323 Nicholas Deutsch Shook, Hardy & Bacon L L P 713-546-5613

FAMILY LAW Amy Allen Gray Reed & McGraw grayreed.com 713-986-7000 Reagan Armstrong armstrongbedell.com 281-894-1590 Heather Bachman Adams Law Firm adamslawfirm.com 281-391-9237

DISPUTE RESOLUTION Timothy Fjeldal timfjeldal-mediator.com 713-869-9690

Maisie Barringer Jenkins & Kamin, LLP jenkinskamin.com 713-600-5500 Lori Blackwell Hendershot, Cannon & Hisey PC hchlawyers.com 713-783-3110

NOEL A. SUNIGA & AMANDA WATERHOUSE Immigration Law

NOEL A. SUNIGA HANDLES COMPLEX IMMIGRATION LITIGATION

AMANDA WATERHOUSE IS AN EXPERIENCED IMMIGRATION

such as Removal/Deportation Defense, Bond Hearings, Asylum, Withholding of Removal, Convention Against Torture Claims, Cancellation of Removal, Deferred Inspection, Stay of Removal, Orders of Supervision and provides Gonzalez Olivieri LLC’s clients access to a profound depth of wisdom.

Attorney Suniga’s extensive experience in Motions to Reopen & Reconsider, VAWA Claims, Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing contributes to Gonzalez Olivieri LLC’s successful handling of these type of cases. Attorney Suniga’s first rate work before the Immigration Courts in Texas, the Board of Immigration Appeals, USCIS, the US 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and his prior experience as Prosecutor in New Mexico greatly benefits Gonzalez Olivieri LLC’s clients in achieving positive results. He is admitted to the New Mexico bar, the US District Courts of the Southern, Northern, and Western Districts of Texas, and the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.

ATTORNEY WITH OVER 12 YEARS OF PRACTICE IN THE FIELD. She

GONZALEZ OLIVIERI LLC 2200 Southwest Freeway, Ste. 550 Houston, TX 77098 713-481-3040 • gonzalezolivierillc.com

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2019

is a Senior Immigration Attorney with Gonzalez Olivieri, LLC and supervisor of the firm’s associate attorneys. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Houston Law Center. Ms. Waterhouse is a member of the State Bar of Texas and has been admitted to the US Supreme Court, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the US District of Court for the Southern District of Texas. She is also a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas and a frequent speaker at conferences for the State Bar of Texas and the American Immigration Lawyer’s Association. Difficult cases are Ms. Waterhouse’s specialty and she has successfully represented thousands of clients in cases before the US Department of Homeland Security, the US Department of State, and US Citizenship & Immigration Services over the course of her career. Her dedication to advocating for immigrants is evident from her pro bono work and her limitless determination to seek justice in every case.

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

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Andrew J Bolton Bolton & Bolton boltonlegal.com 936-435-1908 Scott M. Brown Scott Brown & Associates sbrownlawyer.com 281-488-1918 Paul Calzada Garza & Associates calzadalaw.com 713-664-6200 Patricia Cantu 713-669-8500 Christopher Carmona The Fulton Law Group PLLC 713-677-0109 Lorraine Cervantes 713-641-5151 Larry Chamberlin Chamberlin Law & Mediation larrychamberlin.net 281-580-2222 George Clifton George Clifton, PC tomballfamilylaw.com 281-351-4040 Maisha Colter Avda avda.org 713-224-9911 Papa Dieye The Dieye Firm 832-301-3636 Stefanie Drew Holmes Diggs & Eames 713-802-1777 Gardner Eastland Eastland Firm houstondivorceguy.com 713-255-4880

Karleana Farias The Farias Law Firm 713-226-7999

Renee Kennedy Law Office of Renee Kennedy 832-428-1552

Leonel "Leo" Farias II The Farias Law Firm 713-226-7999

Lacy Lafour Lafour Law Firm, PC acy@lafourlaw.com 713-223-7700 TC Langford Langford Law Office 214-450-0935

John Powell III Powell Law Firm powellfirm.com 281-870-2053

Gina Gilstrap Gina Gilstrap gilstraplawandmediation.com 713-225-4462

Sebastian "Skip" Lanz Vernier & Associates, PLLC vernierlawfirm.com 281-364-1187

Stephanie Proffitt Proffitt & Associates proffittfamilylaw.com 713-224-3400

Daniel Gray Law Office of Daniel Gray grayfamilylaw.com 713-521-2051

Yoka Larasati Hendershot, Cannon & Hisey PC hchlawyers.com 713-783-3110

Mary Quinn The Law Office of Mary Quinn maryquinnlaw.com 713-225-0094

John Grubb John Grubb & Associates, PC johnkgrubb.com 713-877-8800 Shailey Gupta-Brietzke slatelaw.com 281-476-9447 Frank Hale Law Office of Frank Hale frankahale.com 713-941-4100 Marcela Halmagean M Halmagean, PLLC 713-975-1202 Brendan Hammer Koonsfuller, PC koonsfuller.com 713-789-5112 Catherine Herrington Hale The Herrington Law Firm, PC herringtonlawfirm.com 713-227-0050

Susan Edmonson 281-849-8877 Tiffany Elkins Elkins Law, PC elkinslawpc.com 713-893-0630

Alex Hunt Hunt Law Firm, PLLC familylawyerkaty.com 832-315-5494

Jack Emmott III Gray Reed & McGraw 713-986-7000

Taylor Imel Koonsfuller, PC koonsfuller.com 713-789-5112

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Virginia Portz Law Office of Virginia Portz virginiaportz.com 713-504-0506

A. Michelle Fulton The Fulton Law Firm, PLLC fultonlawfirm.com 281-316-0166

Hayley Hollands Hunt Law Firm, PLLC familylawyerkaty.com (214) 789-3147

Sherri Evans Koonsfuller PC koonsfuller.com 713-789-5112

Dora Olivo 281-342-0880

Golda R. Jacob Golda Jacob & Associates, PC 713-227-7383 goldajacob.com

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

Diana Larson Larson Law Office, PLLC thelarsonlawoffice.com 713-221-9088 Erik Larson Larson Law Office, PLLC thelarsonlawoffice.com 713-221-9088 Daniel Chung Lee Family Law And Personal Injury leelegalgroup.com 832-632-4639 John Lemos Adams Law Firm adamslawfirm.com 281-391-9237 Lindsey Lewis Ramos Law Group, PLLC ramosfamilylaw.com 713-225-6200 Douglas "Woody" Lyons Lyons & Marek 281-583-2777 Tasha McInnis Wilson Jacqueline Smith & Associates, PC 713-863-0003 Richard Mintz Law Offices of Richard Mintz 713-622-8996 Susan Myres Myres & Associates thehoustondivorcefirm.com 713-622-1600 Bo Nichols Koonsfuller Family Law koonsfuller.com 713-789-5112

Jessica Ramos Hunt Law Firm huntlawfirm.com 832-315-5494 Mary Ramos Ramos Law Group PLLC ramosfamilylaw.com 713-225-6200 Pat Regnier Paul Regnier 713-355-7054 William Rice, Jr Rice & Webb 281-356-4474 Gregory Rincon Rincon Law Firm, PLLC 281-485-9911 David Romero The Romero Law Firm PC attorneyromero.com 281-220-1067 Jessica Mikell Ramos Law Group, PLLC ramosfamilylaw.com 713-225-6200 Barbara Runge barbarakrunge.com 713-523-5363 Katherine Scardino 713-520-5223 Cali Schwarz Law Office of Warren Cole 713-275-4444 Mathew Skillern Skillern Law, PLLC mytexasdivorceattorneys.com 713-229-8855

MARY E. RAMOS Family Law AT THE HELM OF THE RAMOS LAW GROUP, PLLC, WHICH SPECIALIZES IN ALL ASPECTS OF FAMILY LAW, MARY E. RAMOS IS KNOWN AS THE GLADIATOR OF FAMILY LAW. From adoptions, divorce litigation

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2019

and child custody to high-asset property division and more, the firm provides exceptional service and insight to each and every client. “From the first time I stepped into a family courtroom, my role as a family law attorney was clarified. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else with my life. Few people get the opportunity to do what they love every day, and I am blessed in being able to pursue my dreams as an advocate,” says Ramos, who’s Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization with more than 15 years of experience.

Together with her seasoned associates, Ramos is a firm believer in continuing education. To that end, the team is active in various legal organizations, with Ramos maintaining membership in the Texas Bar College, which warrants four times the education requirement for all attorneys. Membership is an honor bestowed to less than 10 percent of Texas attorneys.

RAMOS LAW GROUP PLLC 1214 Miramar St. Houston, TX 77006 713-225-6200 • ramosfamilylaw.com

ROBERT NORTH Property Litigation ENGINEER-TURNED-ATTORNEY ROBERT NORTH COMBINES HIS 24 YEARS OF LEGAL AND TECHNICAL TRAINING WITH A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO PROBLEM SOLVING TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR THE OBSTACLES IMPACTING HIS CLIENTS’ BUSINESSES. From

NORTH LAW, P.C. 1010 Lamar St., Ste. 1500 Houston, TX 77002 713-844-8030 • northlawpc.com

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

2019

traditional real estate transactions to litigation, North and his firm counsel land developers, community associations and other landowners on all issues affecting real property, including: title conveyances; easements and land encumbrances; contract, warranty, fair housing, restrictive covenant enforcement, real property finance and security agreements; lien priority and foreclosure; landlord/tenant disputes; and legislation affecting landowner rights. “I always look at the impact of my client’s decisions not just in the short-term, but also in the long-term, so that today’s decisions don’t become tomorrow’s disasters,” says North.

Among Robert North’s many distinctions include being selected as an H Texas Top Lawyer in Real Estate for 2014–2019, as well as being named to the Super Lawyers Texas Rising Stars list from 2015-2017.

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Dennis M. Slate slatelaw.com 281-476-9447 Jacqueline Smith Jacqueline Smith & Assoc., PC jacquesmith.com 713-863-0003 Jacqueline Taylor familylawhouston.com 713-228-1515 Taly Thiessen Thiessen Law Firm thetexastrialattorney.com 713-864-9000 Mack Travers Travers & Travers katylawyer.com 281-492-2166 Sherrie Travers Travers & Travers katylawyer.com 281-492-2166 Allison Travers Hamilton Travers & Travers katylawyer.com 281-492-2166 Annilee Travers Reed Travers & Travers katylawyer.com 281-492-2166 Jordan Turk Koonsfuller Family Law koonsfuller.com 713-789-5112 Patrick Upton Koonsfuller Family Law koonsfuller.com 713-789-5112 Jennifer Varadi Koonsfuller Family Law koonsfuller.com 713-789-5112 Sam Veenstra The Veenstra Law Firm PLLC veenstralaw.com 832-779-8529 Ruth Vernier Vernier & Associates, PLLC vernierlawfirm.com 281-364-1187 Truett Vestal Easterling & Easterling, PC 713-228-4441

Lauren Waddell Fullenweider Wilhite fullenweider.com 713-624-4100 Teresa Waldrop Law Office of Teresa J Waldrop PC waldroplaw.com 713-622-5100 Alvin L Zimmerman Zimmerman Axelrad Meyer Stern & Wise, PC 713-552-1234

FAMILY LAW, ADOPTION Lennea Cannon Kerr, Hendershot & Cannon, PC k-hpc.com 713-783-3110

FAMILY LAW, PERSONAL INJURY Nga "Natalie" Le Le Law Group PLLC 832-559-0923

James Passamano Sufian & Passamano, LLP 713-224-1166 Ivan Wood Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC bakerdonelson.com 713-650-9700

IMMIGRATION Jonathan Amdur The Amdur Law Firm amdurlaw.com 713-268-1000 Annie Banerjee Banerjee & Associates visatous.com 713-604-1947 Oralia De Luna De Luna Law Offices, PC delunafirm.com 713-589-5269

FAMILY, DIVORCE LAW

Nicole Ezer The Ezer Law Group ezerlawgroup.com 281-404-7781

Richard A Lybarger Lybarger Law Firm 713-863-9000

Tiarals Figueroa-Kelly bad site 713-637-4094

FAMILY, MEDIATION

Raed Gonzalez Gonzalez Olivieri, LLC gonzalezolivierillc.com 713-481-3040

Rose Cardenas 832-419-4110

FINANCIAL RESTRUCTURING Mickey Sheinfeld King & Spalding, LLP 713-751-3200

FOREIGN TRUST PLANNING Carlos E Kepke Law Office of Carlos E Kepke kepkelaw.com 713-626-0612

GENERAL PRACTICE William Soffar 713-857-8824

Nicole Voyles Tindall England, PC tindallengland.com 713-622-8733

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HEALTH LAW

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

Geoffrey Hoffman University of Houston Law Center's Immigration Clinic law.uh.edu/clinic 713-743-2094 Kathryn Karam Law Office of Kathryn Karam immisolver.com 832-582-0620 Hector J Lopez Law Offices of Hector Lopez 832-305-5382 Susham Modi The Modi Law Firm themodilawfirm.com 832-514-4030 Pablo Nossa Nossa Law nossalaw.com 713-599-1633

Ruby Powers The Law Office of Ruby Powers rubypowerslaw.com 713-589-2085 Pegah Rahgozar Rahgozar Law Firm, PLLC rahgozarlaw.com 832-792-3636 Edwin Reyes Edwin Reyes, LLC edwinereyes.com 281-936-7795 Paola Romero The Romero Law Firm PC attorneyromero.com 281-220-1067 Luis Ruiz The Law Offices of Luis Ruiz luisruizlaw.com 832-390-4664 Naimeh Salem Naimeh Salem & Associates, PLLC AbogadaNaimeh.com 832-430-3030 Samuel Serrano Benavides & Serrano ericbenavides.com 713-222-2828 Aseel Saqer Simon Simon Law Group, PLLC simonimmigrationlaw.com 713-839-0639 Sebastian Simon Simon Law Group, PLLC simonimmigrationlaw.com 713-839-0639 Noel A. Suniga Gonzalez Olivieri, LLC gonzalezolivierillc.com 713-481-3040 Amanda Waterhouse Gonzalez Olivieri, LLC gonzalezolivierillc.com 713-481-3040

INSURANCE Scott Hunziker Voss Law Firm 713-861-0015 Michael Johnston Johnston Legal Group 713-830-4816 G. Byron Sims Brown Sims, PC brownsims.com 713-629-1580

TRAVERS & TRAVERS Family Law, Appellate Law, Mediation PROTECTING WHAT MATTERS MOST, Travers & Travers is a family of family lawyers.

These dynamic lawyers are family law leaders throughout Harris and Fort Bend Counties. From divorce, complex property cases, and custody disputes to mediation and appellate practice, Travers & Travers is experienced in all aspects of family law.

Travers & Travers is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell. Both Mack and Sherrie are Martindale-Hubbell Preeminent Lawyers.

Sherrie is board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: SHERRIE HAUSSNER TRAVERS, ALLISON TRAVERS

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2019

HAMILTON AND ANNILEE TRAVERS REED.

TRAVERS & TRAVERS 20501 Katy Freeway, Ste. 124 Katy, TX 77450 281-492-2166 • katylawyer.com

ORALIA DE LUNA Immigration & Nationality Law BEING THE DAUGHTER OF IMMIGRANTS AND A FIRST-GENERATION AMERICAN, ORALIA DE LUNA UNDERSTANDS THE NEEDS OF HER CLIENTS. Due to her zealous representation in immigration

DE LUNA LAW OFFICES, P.C. 713-589-5269 • delunafirm.com

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

PRINCIPAL OFFICE

RIO GRANDE VALLEY

1627 Dunlavy St.,

320 W. McIntyre St.,

Houston, TX 77006

Edinburg, TX 78541

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

2019

matters, she has earned the distinction as one of Houston’s top immigration lawyers for the past 10 years by H Texas magazine, and 10 Best Immigration Attorneys in America for the past seven by the American Institute of Legal Counsel.

Individual and corporate clients worldwide turn to Ms. De Luna for business, family and employment-based matters. A leader within the profession, she has held positions in the State Bar of Texas Hispanic Issues Section and Mexican American Bar Association of Houston.

Whether you’re seeking legal representation or advice in the green card, naturalization, visa processes and federal courts, Ms. De Luna has the experience to handle and answer your most complex immigration questions. Her firm maintains direct communication with clients and provides the utmost reliability, hence their motto: “Clients First. Excellence Always!”

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Justin Vandenbout Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry chamberlainlaw.com 713-658-1818

INSURANCE, PERSONAL INJURY Karen Alvarado Brothers Alvarado, PC brothers-law.com 713-337-0750

INSURANCE, WORKERS COMPENSATION Camille Espey White Espey, PLLC 713-882-5351

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Basil M. Angelo Angelo IP angeloip.com 281-362-2839 Jeffrey Bergman Osha Liang LLP oshaliang.com 713-228-8600 Carlyn Burton Osha Liang LLP oshaliang.com 713-228-8600 Tammy Dunn Osha Liang LLP oshaliang.com 713-228-8600 Tracy Druce Novak Druce & Quigg, LLP 713-571-3400 Robb Edmonds Edmonds& Nolte, PC 281-480-2700 Richard Fladung Strasburger & Price, LLP strasburger.com 713-951-5626 Aron Griffith Osha Liang LLP oshaliang.com 713-228-8600

Robert J McAughan, Jr Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell, LLP 713-226-1154 Seema Mehta Osha Liang LLP oshaliang.com 713-228-8600 Jonathan Osha Osha Liang LLP oshaliang.com 713-228-8600 Rajesh Patel King & Spalding, LLP 713-276-7387 Collin Rose Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry 713-654-9650 Thomas Scherer Osha Liang LLP oshaliang.com 713-228-8600

LABOR & EMPLOYMENT Lucy Anderson Henke Law Firm, LLP henkelawfirm.com 713-940-4500 Charles Daughtry Daughtry & Farine 281-480-6888 Melissa Garcia-Martin Garcia-Martin & Martin, PC mgmartinlaw.com 281-277-3066 G. Scott Fiddler Jackson Walker jw.com 713-752-4217 Anne Gbenjo Gbenjo Law Group 713-771-4775 Ken Hughes The Hughes Law Firm 713-492-0366 Michael Muskat Muskat, Martinez, & Mahony, LLP 713-987-7850

Katrina Patrick 713-796-8218 Charles Peckham Peckham, PLLC 713-574-9044 Cristina Portela Solomon Gardere Wynne Sewell, LLP gardere.com 713-276-5352 Joshua Verde The Verde Law Firm, PLLC 713-909-4347

LEGAL MALPRACTICE Jennifer Hasley Hasley Scarano, LLP 713-667-6900

LITIGATION Lee Kaplan Smyser Kaplan & Veselka, LLP skv.com 713-221-2323 Bill Voss Voss Law Firm 281-842-8679

MARITIME Dennis McElwee Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris, LLP smslegal.com 713-524-3500

MASS/TOXIC TORT Karen Beyea-Schroeder Heard Robins Cloud LLP heardrobins.com 713-650-1200 Michael Gallagher Clark, Love & Hutson triallawfirm.com 713-757-1400

Gary McGowan McGowan Dispute Resolution 713-552-1855

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE John Brothers McIver Brown Law Firm mciverbrown.com 877-721-3839 Charles Brown McIver Brown Law Firm mciverbrown.com (877) 721-3839 Dale Burrus Kroger Burrus krogerlaw.com 713-961-7952 Richard Fass Perdue & Kidd perdueandkidd.com 713-520-2500 Kristina Frankel McIver Brown Law Firm mciverbrown.com 713-766-1236 Edward Kroger, Jr., M.D. Kroger Burns 713-961-7952 Lauren Nelson Kroger Burrus krogerlaw.com 713-961-7952 Robert Painter Painter Law Firm 281-580-8800

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS Greg Krafka Winstead PC winstead.com 713-650-2658

Aimee Robert Johnson Law Group 713-626-9336

Dana Murphy Crain, Caton & James, PC 713-658-2323

Eric Nelson Law Offices of Eric Nelson 713-526-1998

MEDIATION & ARBITRATION

Lisa Margonis Osha Liang LLP oshaliang.com 713-228-8600

David Noll Hagan Noll & Boyle, LLC hnbllc.com 713-343-0478

Robert Black Mehaffyweber, PC mehaffyweber.com 713-655-1200

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

Charles Jordan 281-480-6888

Ray Panneton The Talaska Law Firm talaskalawfirm.com 713-869-1240

Gregory Hasley Hasley Scarano, LLP hasleyscarano.com 713-667-6900

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Jerry Hoover adrtexas.com 713-622-0650

SIMON LAW GROUP, PLLC Immigration Law IF YOU’RE IN NEED OF AN IMMIGRATION LAWYER WITH PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, LOOK NO FURTHER THAN SIMON LAW GROUP PLLC.

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2019

Helmed by dynamic husband-and-wife team Sebastian Simon and Aseel Saqer Simon, the full-service immigration law firm specializes in immigration, nonimmigrant visas, business and investor visas, naturalization and citizenship, deportation defense and asylum. The attorneys and staff work with clients worldwide in English, Spanish, and Arabic.

Sebastian Simon, a native of Chile who underwent the arduous process of immigrating to the U.S., has more than a decade of experience practicing immigration law. Bringing her legal corporate background and cultural upbringing to the practice, Aseel Saqer Simon focuses on assisting employers, entrepreneurs and investors with their immigration needs. The couple takes pride in identifying solutions for families who have chosen the U.S. to make their dreams come true.

SIMON LAW GROUP, PLLC 1111 N. Loop W. Ste. 1111 Houston, TX 77008 713-839-0639 • simonimmigrationlaw.com

ALTON C. TODD Personal Injury ALTON TODD IS AN EXPERIENCED TRIAL LAWYER WHO HAS BUILT A SOLID PRACTICE AND REPUTATION FOR SUCCESSFULLY HANDLING DIFFICULT CASES in general civil and trial law, personal injury ,

THE LAW FIRM OF ALTON C. TODD 312 S. Friendswood Dr. Friendswood, TX 77546 281-992-8633 • actlaw.com

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

2019

negligence, product liability, medical malpractice, toxic tort and premises liability including, chemical plant explosions and railroad crossing accidents. He is Board Certified in both Personal Injury and Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a Fellow with the American College of Trial Lawyers and International Academy of Trial Lawyers and a member and Diplomate of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, Fifth Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals, and U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Texas and the Eastern District of Louisiana. He Is licensed to practice in Texas and Georgia.

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OIL & GAS Mary Elizondo Frazier Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP bradley.com 713-576-0300 William Hall Streit, Peterson, Hall & Keeney 713-977-5165 Caroline Musa Dwairy Bestway Oilfield 281-452-2525 Barry Wertz McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore, LLP 713-615-8500

PERSONAL INJURY Tad Adams Adams Law Firm adamslawfirm.com 281-391-9237 Will Adams Adams Law Firm adamslawfirm.com 281-391-9237 Benny Agosto, Jr. Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Aziz abrahamwatkins.com 713-222-7211 Reshard Alexander Rj Alexander Law PLLC rjalexanderlaw.com 832-458-1756 Denise Adkison-Brown The Law Offices of Denise Adkison-brown, PLLC wtx.com 713-714-6206 Gregg Anderson Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law terrybryant.com 713-973-8888 Charles Argento Charles J Argento & Associates charlesargento.com 713-225-5050 Muhammad S. Aziz Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agostof & Aziz abrahamwatkins.com 713-222-7211 Camp Bailey Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC bchlaw.com 713-425-7100

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Jeff Befort Befort Law Firm, PC 713-785-5888

Jerome Fjeld bayoucitylaw.com 713-572-6446

Robert Hildebrand hw-lawfirm.com 281-223-1666

Mark Berry Sammons & Berry, PC sammons-berry.com 713-425-7200

Christopher Fletcher Simmons & Fletcher, PC simmonsandfletcher.com 713-932-0777

Cynthia Huerta Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris, LLP smslegal.com 713-524-3500

Larry Boyd Fisher, Boyd, Johnson & Huguenard, LLP fisherboyd.com 713-400-4010

Keith Fletcher Simmons And Fletcher simmonsandfletcher.com 713-932-0777

Scott Brann Brann Sullivan Trial Lawyers, PLLC bstrial.com 713-278-7425 John Bridger Strong Pipkin Bissell & Ledyard, LLP 713-210-4380 David Brothers brothers-law.com 713-337-0750 Sofia Bruera Personal Injury brueralaw.com 832-430-4000 Terry Bryant Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, PLLC 713-973-8888 Stacey Burke Stacey E Burke, PC staceyeburke.com 713-714-8446 Roy Camberg The Camberg Law Firm, PC 281-486-6900 Paul Cannon Simmons & Fletcher PC simmonsandfletcher.com 713-932-0777 Erren Chen Moriarty Law Firm redzonelawyers.com Robert Cowan Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC bchlaw.com 713-425-7100 Scott Davenport Lewis Davenport & Hildebrand, PC 713-963-4898 Jimmy Doan The Doan Law Firm, PLLC thedoanlawfirm.com 832-835-0000

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

Joe Jones Sloan Firm sloanfirmhouston.com 713-520-8833

Dax F Garza Dax Garza, PC daxgarzalaw.com 713-522-3000

Allen Kline, Jr The Kline Law Firm 713-224-3101

John Ghezzi Ghezzi Law Firm PLLC 713-419-7268

Loren Klitsas Klitsas & Vercher 713-862-1365

Gabriel Gonzaelz Schechter, Mselwee, Shaffer & Haris smslegal.com 713-524-3500

Carlos A. Leon The Leon Law Firm 281-980-4529

Anna Greenberg Blizzard Law blizzardlaw.com 713-844-3751 Marilyn Griffin Griffin & Griffin 713-228-6568 Richard Grimes Grimes & Fertitta, PC grimesfertitta.com 713-224-7644 Kerry Guidry The Guidry Law Firm 713-864-5400 Stewart Guss 281-954-3799 Jonathan Harris Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris, LLP smslegal.com 713-524-3500 Gregg Harrison Gregg Harrison Attorney at Law 281-929-0110 Kevin Haynes Zehl & Associates, PC 713-491-6064 Andrew Heckaman Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC bchlaw.com 713-425-7100

Dan Linebaugh The Linebaugh Law Firm linebaughlaw.com 281-422-0505 Clive Markland Markland Law Firm robertsmarkland.com (569) 421-4437 Clark Martin Martin Law Firm 713-544-0660 Rick McGuire Law Office of Rick McGuire rickmcguirelaw.com (936) 336-9809 Michael Moriarty Moriarty Law Firm 713-651-9600 Chris Morrell 713-834-1151 Craig Muessig craigmuessiglaw.com 281-427-1111 Nick C. Nichols Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Aziz abrahamwatkins.com 713-222-7211 Rand Nolen Fleming & Associates, LLP 713-621-7944 Mark Oehl Oehl Law Firm 281-459-2850

JULIA DEAN Appellate Law & Estate Planning IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION, THE TRUST BUILT BETWEEN ATTORNEY AND CLIENT IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THE LEGAL EXPERTISE THE

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2019

ATTORNEY POSSESSES. Julia Dean is an attorney who values each client and takes the time to ensure their concerns are addressed. Ms. Dean has a dual emphasis, handling complex civil cases on appeal in both the state and federal courts. Further, Ms. Dean designs custom Estate Plans to suit the needs of each individual client, and her expertise extends beyond Estate Planning into Elder Law, Probate and Guardianship in order to support the client’s Estate Planning needs holistically. Not only are the practical elements of the Estate Plan addressed, Ms. Dean incorporates planning which focuses on the legacy of the individual or family. Ms. Dean explains, “We are unique in that we strive to not only create excellent legal work, but to care for and truly listen to our clients.”

THE DEAN LAW FIRM, PLLC 1650 Hwy 6 South, Ste. 100 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-277-3326 • juliadeanlaw.com

BAILEY COWAN HECKAMAN PLLC National Reach. An Honest, Texas Approach.

BAILEY COWAN HECKAMAN PLLC (BCH) IS A NATIONAL LITIGATION PRACTICE WITH A REPUTATION FOR TURNING HARD CASES INTO

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2019

MEANINGFUL RESULTS FOR CLIENTS. Whether the case arises from catastrophic injuries on a Houston freeway caused by trucking company negligence, or from a Navy veteran’s wrongful death from fatal asbestos exposure, or from major pharmaceutical companies targeting state tax dollars to increase drug sales, BCH has been repeatedly called upon and delivered substantial victories for our clients.

We have the resources and experience to take on huge corporations—we literally do it every day. We’re courtroom tested.

We’ve taken cases all the way to the United States Supreme Court to fight for our clients—and when we’ve done so, we’ve been successful.

Above all, we value honesty, hard work, and service to clients. Learn more about our honest, Texas approach at bchlaw.com.

BAILEY COWAN HECKAMAN PLLC 5555 San Felipe St., Ste. 900 Houston, TX 77056 713-425-7100 • bchlaw.com

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

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Jose Orihuela Orihuela & Associates, PLLC paininthecarwreck.com 832-425-0239

Tom Stilwell Stilwell Law Firm stilwelltriallaw.com 713-931-1111

Mary Alice Parsons The Parsons Law Firm hptxlaw.com 713-955-4878

Brant J. Stogner Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Aziz abrahamwatkins.com 713-222-7211

Amanda Pierson Stilwell Law Firm stilwelltriallaw.com 713-931-1111 Sarnie Randle, Jr S.A. Randle & Associates, PC randlelaw.com 713-626-8600 Lyle Rathwell Rathwell De Ford & Wallison, PLLC 281-296-8900 Sean Roberts Roberts Markland LLP robertsmarkland.com 832-651-5188 Adam J. Rosenfeld Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris, LLP smslegal.com 713-524-3500 Arthur Schechter Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris, LLP smslegal.com 713-524-3500 Russell Serafin The Gallagher Law Firm 713-222-8080 Hilda Sibrian Law Office of Hilda Sibrian hildasibrian.com 713-863-1515 Robert Simmons Simmons And Fletcher simmonsandfletcher.com 713-932-0777 Sharon Simmons-Cantrell Simmons And Fletcher simmonsandfletcher.com 713-932-0777 Randall O. Sorrels Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Aziz abrahamwatkins.com 713-222-7211

William Stout Sutliff & Stout sutliffstout.com 713-987-7111 Roger Sullivan Brann Sullivan Trial Lawyers, PLLC bstrial.com 713-278-7425 Jimmy Sunosky Donato, Minx, Brown & Pool, PC 713-877-1112 Kenneth Tekell, Jr Tekell Book Allen & Morris, LLP 713-222-9542 Alton C. Todd The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd actlaw.com 281-992-8633 Rebecca Todd Simmons & Fletcher PC simmonsandfletcher.com 713-932-0777

Adam Peavy Bailey Perrin Bailey, LLP 713-425-7100

POA LAW Luke Tollett Holt & Young, PC holtyoung.com 713-510-1000

PROBATE & ESTATE Erin Eggleston Salisbury Eggleston & Briscoe, LLP 713-659-5100 Jeannine Flynn 713-521-3303

PROBATE AND GUARDIANSHIP LITIGATION Robert Keith Morris III Jones, Morris, Klevenhagen 713-589-5061 Bridget O'Toole Schlanger Silver Barg & Paine LLP ssbplaw.com 713-785-1701

PROPERTY AND FINANCE

Steve Waldman Terry Bryant Law Frim terrybryant.com 713-973-8888

Ephraim Del Pozo Porter & Hedges porterhedges.com 713-226-6000

S. Scott West The West Law Firm 281-277-1500

PROPERTY, LABOR/ EMPLOYMENT

Sue E West The West Law Firm, PC 281-347-3247 Mark Weycer The Weycer Law Firm, PC 713-668-4545 J. Daniel Wilson hw-lawfirm.com 281-223-1666 Robert Woods Woods Law Firm, PC 713-651-1115 attorneyrobertwoods.com

Andrew Steinberg Steinberg Law Firm, PC 713-529-0025

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PHARMACEUTICAL LITIGATION

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

Chris Archambault Daughtry & Farine 281-480-6888

REAL ESTATE Thad H. Armstrong Jackson Walker jw.com 713-752-4200 Mark Arnold Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP huntonak.com 713-220-3938 Charles Boyd Boyd Munoz & Piper (936) 756-1175

John Cannon Coats Rose 713-653-5735 Larry Chapman 713-522-2226 Priya S. Coffey Jackson Walker jw.com 713-752-4200 E. Scot Dixon Vinson & Elkins, LLP 713-758-3373 Trisha Farine Daughtry & Farine daughtryjordan.com 281-480-6888 Timothy Heinrich The Heinrich Law Firm, PLLC timheinrichlaw.com 713-496-1157 A'drianna Higginbotham The Fulton Law Group PLLC 713-127-1901 Bradford Irelan Irelan Hargis PLLC 713-222-7666 Jim Lombardi Ross, Banks, May, Cron & Cavin, PC rossbanks.com 713-626-1200 Margaret Maddox Daughtry & Farine daughtryfarnine.com 281-480-6888 Kurt Nondorf Jackson Walker LLP jw.com 713-752-4402 Robert North North Law, PC northlawpc.com 713-844-8030 Brad Porter Porter & Powers, PLLC porterpowers.com 713-621-0700 Barry E Putterman Winstead, PC winstead.com 713-650-2704 David M Robins Thompson & Knight, LLP 713-951-5825

BARBARA K. RUNGE Family Law BOARD CERTIFIED IN FAMILY LAW SINCE 1981, BARBARA HANDLES

CATHERINE HERRINGTON HALE Family Law and Civil/Probate Litigation

DIVORCE CASES, COMPLEX

SCOTT M. BROWN Family Law AT SCOTT M. BROWN AND ASSOCIATES, SUCCESS IN THE COURTROOM IS NOT SOMETHING

PROPERTY CASES, CUSTODY CASES,

CATHY HALE IS THE FOUNDER OF

MODIFICATIONS AND PREMARITAL

THE HERRINGTON LAW FIRM AND

AND MARITAL AGREEMENTS. She is also a mediator and arbitrator.

Additionally, Barbara represents clients using the collaborative method or litigation as determined by the case and the client’s desires. Her individual practice is only enhanced by her active participation in and dedication to many top legal organizations.

Barbara has received numerous awards and honors, including the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Texas Tech School of Law, the Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists’ David Gibson Award for Professionalism and Excellence in Family Law and the Outstanding Service Award for Texas Tech School of Law.

HAS REPRESENTED HUNDREDS OF CLIENTS SINCE 1998 IN FAMILY LAW AND CIVIL/PROBATE DISPUTES.

She is committed, along with her team of associates and paralegals, to providing quality legal representation to her clients and obtaining the best outcome through trial or mediation.

Clients often note her passion for the law, respect in the legal community and accessibility of her firm. At The Herrington Law Firm, you will receive personal service and experienced advocates in the courtroom.

THAT’S TAKEN LIGHTLY. Whether it’s a matter of family law, including high-asset divorce and complex child custody battles, criminal law or personal injury, Scott M. Brown and his team are steadfast in their commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for their every client. “Our number-one goal is to help our clients achieve success with their legal problems,” says Brown, who’s board certified as a family law specialist through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction held by less than one percent of the attorneys in Texas.

A 2016-2018 Texas Super Lawyer®, Brown also holds the highest possible Avvo rating.

THE HERRINGTON LAW FIRM, PC 10190 Katy Freeway, Ste. 440

SCOTT M. BROWN & ASSOCIATES

Houston, TX 77043

17210 Mercury Dr.

713-227-0050 • herringtonlawfirm.com

Houston, TX 77058

BARBARA K. RUNGE

713-364-0321 • sbrownlawyer.com

5615 Kirby Dr., Ste. 920 Houston, TX 77005

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2019

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2019

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2019

713-523-5363 • barbarakrunge.com

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

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Richard Spencer Dow Golub Remels & Beverly dowgolub.com 713-403-4224 Ping-Ying Sung Amy Sung 713-988-5995 Reid Wilson Wilson, Cribbs & Goren, PC wcglaw.com 713-222-9000 Marni Zarin Real Estate winstead.com 713-650-2610

SECURITIES LITIGATION AND ARBITRATION Andrew Harvin Doyle Restpro Harvin & Robbins drhrlaw.com 713-228-5100

SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW Karri Axtell The Law Office of Karri Axtell axtelltexaslaw.com 281-241-1175

TAX LAW Jay Chadha Norton Rose Fulbright 713-651-3770 Ray L. Cox, Jr The Cox Law Firm thecoxlawfirm.com 713-862-7772 Habeeb Gnaim Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry chamberlainlaw.com 713-658-2544 Shawn O'Brien Mayer Brown LLP 713-238-2848

86

WILLS, TRUSTS & ESTATES Brett Berly Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry 713-654-9698 Ray Black, Jr. Law Offices of Ray Black, Jr 713-840-1955 Ryan Cantrell Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry chamberlainlaw.com 713-658-1818 Chasity Cooper Crain, Caton & James, PC craincaton.com 713-658-2323 Joshua R. Flores Crain, Caton & James, PC craincaton.com 713-752-8650 Laura Davidson Fowell Joe R Davidson, PC 713-623-2700 T. Aaron Dobbs Ford & Bergner, LLP fordbergner.com 713-260-3926 Wendy Farner Farner & Perrin, LLP farnerandperrin.com 713-622-0900 Mary Galligan Galligan & Manning 713-522-9220 Larry George Crain, Caton & James, PC 713-658-2323 Karen Gerstner Karen S Gerstner & Associates, PC 713-520-5205 Joseph Horrigan Horrigan & Goehrs, LLP hgprobate.com 713-659-4200 Anna Kavanaugh Baker Williams Matthiesen LLP bwmtx.com 713-698-9143

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

Tama Klosek Klosek & Associates 713-255-0495 Melissa Masoom Hunt Law Firm, PLLC familylawyerkaty.com 832-315-5494 Stephen Mendel The Mendel Law Firm, LP 281-759-3213 Sarah Patel Pacheco Crain, Caton & James, PC craincaton.com 713-658-2323 Diane Perrin Farner & Perrin, LLP farnerandperrin.com 713-622-0900 Michael Rubenstein Schlanger, Silver, Barg & Paine, LLC ssbplaw.com 713-785-1700 Elyssa M Schnurr Law Offices of Elyssa M Schnurr schnurrlaw.com (714) 662-2889 Kathleen Tanner Beduze Crain, Caton & James PC craincaton.com 713-658-2323 Jeffrey Watters Gray Reed & McGraw 713-986-7113

NAIMEH SALEM Immigration Law AS MANAGING PARTNER OF NAIMEH SALEM & ASSOCIATES, ATTORNEY SALEM LEADS HER DYNAMIC TEAM TO GROUNDBREAKING IMMIGRATION VICTORIES. Attorney Salem’s

practice combines compassion with experienced advocacy to navigate complex immigration law and removal defense. While counseling her clients through family and employment immigration matters, Attorney Salem remains committed to serving with the highest quality of representation. Attorney Salem takes special interest in representing victims of persecution and exploitation in court and at the appellate level. Through innovative litigation, Attorney Salem empowers her clients as an influential voice for immigrants’ rights.

NAIMEH SALEM & ASSOCIATES, PLLC 8990 Kirby Dr., Ste. 200 Houston, TX 77054 832-430-3030 • AbogadaNaimeh.com

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2019

Louis Silver Schlanger, Silver, Barg & Paine, LLP ssbplaw.com 713-735-8515

MEKISHA JANE WALKER Criminal Defense MEKISHA JANE WALKER IS A

BENJAMIN K. SANCHEZ Business and Civil Litigation

A. MICHELLE FULTON Family Law VALUES ARE THE HEART OF THE

CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY WHO

FULTON LAW FIRM, PLLC, WHICH

SPECIALIZES IN AGGRESSIVE AND

BENJAMIN K. SANCHEZ, A 22-YEAR

PRIDES ITSELF ON BEING CHRISTIAN.

ZEALOUS REPRESENTATION. Ms.

ATTORNEY, IS CONSISTENTLY

Walker handles all types of criminal matters from domestic violence to DWI and drug possession, including both misdemeanor and felony cases. Ms. Walker provides an extraordinary level of service to her clients while remaining committed to delivering the best possible results. As a former Assistant District Attorney and Chief Prosecutor for Harris County, Ms. Walker is a seasoned trial attorney with excellent communication skills and a necessary understanding of the law and criminal justice system.

RATED AS ONE OF HOUSTON'S TOP

Specializing in divorce and family law, A. Michelle Fulton, who knows firsthand how devastating a divorce can be, believes these sensitive matters are best resolved outside the courtroom, through mediation.

“We treat our clients like family. Our motto is ‘Providing and Protecting Your Peace of Mind is Our Number One Goal,’ and we truly strive to achieve that,” says Fulton.

Throughout her career, Fulton, a fellow of Texas State Bar College, has received numerous awards, having been voted Top Family Lawyer by Houstonia magazine and AVVO Top Choice Rated Family Lawyer.

After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University, Fulton graduated cum laude from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law.

LAWYERS IN BUSINESS AND CIVIL LITIGATION. Benjamin is a Houston native who is proud to call Houston home. He was born and raised in The Heights, obtained degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and University of Houston Law Center, and now offices in The Montrose District.

Half of his firm's docket is business and civil litigation, while the other half is family, consumer, and criminal. Benjamin is an awardwinning writer and dual-certified (John Maxwell and Les Brown) speaker, trainer, and coach.

WALKER LAW OFFICE SANCHEZ LAW FIRM

1714 Sunset Blvd.

Houston, TX 77005

1122 W. Bell St.

713-228-2611 • walkerlawhouston.com

Houston, TX 77019 713-780-7745 • sanchezlawfirm.com

THE FULTON LAW FIRM, PLLC 2814 Pickett Drive League City, Texas 77573

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2019

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2019

HOUSTON’S TOP LAWYERS

2019

281-316-0166 • fultonlawfirm.com

HOUSTON'S TOP LAWYERS 2019

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On the Menu DUNGENESS CRAB BOIL CLAM CHOWDER SEARED HALIBUT WITH FENNEL AND TOMATOES STEAMED BROCCOLI Serves 4–6

Alaska’s

Inner Passage Memories and fresh halibut from a recent cruise are shared with friends.

By Tom Flynn • Styling by Kathryn Paden • Linens by LBL Event Rentals • Floral, décor, glassware and dishes by Rexberry Luxury Weddings and Events • Photos by Nicholas Nguyen

W

E CRUISE TO AL ASK A—DAD, MOM , GR ANDPARENTS AND 6-YE AR OLD T WINS. The scenery is breathtaking, the wildlife is amazing and the experience is unforgettable. Our first port of call is Ketchikan. We watch from wooden bridges in the middle of this small town as salmon take the fatal, oneway trip upstream to spawn, glutenous seals splash through the carcasses eating to their stomach’s content.

As for our dinner, we make our way to Annabelle’s Famous Keg and Chowder House. The place is packed; there are three cruise ships in town. As we wait in line, customers leaving the restaurant assure us it’s worth the wait—and it is! We enjoy a spectacular boiled crab platter and their signature clam chowder.

In Hoonah, I catch a halibut, actually I catch several but you can only keep one. Fortunately, the last fish of the day that I hook is my biggest; the guide cleans it, packages and ships it to Houston in a box filled with dry ice. Now, it’s my job to turn it into a memorable meal. After a little research on Alaskan vegetation, I find only the hardiest vegetables survive the long boat ride north, so I incorporate those into my dishes. Join us for a tasty meal—actually two— reminiscent of our adventures. H 88

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MEAL ONE: DUNGENESS CRAB BOIL 2 (3-OUNCE) PACKAGES CRAB BOIL 1½ POUNDS PETITE POTATOES 4 EARS CORN 16 POUNDS LIVE DUNGENESS CRAB (ABOUT 4-6 LARGE CRABS) 1 STICK MELTED BUTTER LEMON WEDGES FOR GARNISH 1. Boil water in large pot with the crab boil. Add the potatoes and corn and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Remove the corn and potatoes with a slotted spoon and place in a warm oven.

2. Drop the live crab into the pot headfirst. Cook for 15 minutes.

3. Place the crab, potatoes and corn on a platter, garnish with lemon wedges and take pictures! After the Instagram moment, clean the crab by popping off the big dome shell, washing out the insides and pulling out the lungs.

4. Serve with melted butter. Little wooden mallets and cutting boards make great serving accessories and even create some fun as guests smash the shells to get to rich meat.

THIS PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: TOM AND HIS FRIEND VITO GARCIA

PLATE THE BOILED CRABS; TOM’S BIG CATCH IN ALASKA OPPOSITE PAGE: THE SUCCULENT DUNGENESS CRAB

TRAVEL ISSUE 2019

89

TOP ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LAURETTE

M. VERES, ANGELA ORLANDO, KATHRYN PEDEN, KIMBERLY MCCORKLE AND ERIN HADER; ANGELO ORLANDO TRYING THE HALIBUT MIDDLE ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: TOM COOKING THE

DUNGENESS CRAB; THE GORGEOUS TABLE SETTING AT LEFT: KIMBERLY MCCORKLE AND ERIN HADER TOAST TO

A TASTY MEAL. OPPOSITE PAGE: THE CREAMY CLAM CHOWDER WAS A HIT

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MEAL TWO: CLAM CHOWDER AND SEARED HALIBUT OVER PAN ROASTED FENNEL, TOPPED WITH BALSAMIC TOMATOES AND FRIED SHALLOTS WITH A SIDE OF BROCCOLI CLAM CHOWDER 6 2 1 2 3

SLICES BACON CELERY RIBS, CHOPPED LARGE ONION, CHOPPED CLOVES GARLIC, MINCED SMALL POTATOES, PEELED AND CUT INTO ½-INCH CUBES 1 CUP WATER 1 (8-OUNCE) BOTTLE CLAM JUICE 1 TABLESPOON CHICKEN BROTH BASE ¼ TEASPOON BLACK PEPPER ¼ TEASPOON DRIED THYME 1/3 CUP ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR 2 CUPS HALF-AND-HALF, DIVIDED 2 (6.50-OUNCE) CANS CHOPPED CLAMS WITH LIQUID CHOPPED PARSLEY FOR GARNISH

1. Cook the bacon in heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Place on a paper towel lined plate to cool. Once cooled, roughly chop and set aside.

2. Add the celery and onions to the bacon grease and cook until translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for a couple more minutes.

3. Add the potatoes, water, clam juice, broth base, pepper and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.

4. Whisk together the flour and 1 cup half-and-half in a bowl until smooth. Add to the pot a little at a time while stirring. Return to a boil, stirring constantly until the soup thickens, about 1–2 minutes.

5. Add the clams and remaining half-and-half. Stir to combine. Turn off the heat, cover and let stand, about 5 minutes.

6. To serve, place the chowder in bowls and garnish with the bacon and parsley.

TRAVEL ISSUE 2019

91

SEARED HALIBUT WITH FENNEL AND TOMATOES 6 (6-OUNCE) HALIBUT FILLETS, SKINNED SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE ½ CUP OLIVE OIL 2 LARGE FENNEL BULBS, SLICED 2 LARGE SHALLOTS, SLICED 1 PINT RED CHERRY TOMATOES, HALVED 1 PINT YELLOW CHERRY TOMATOES, HALVED 5 GARLIC CLOVES, MINCED 3 TABLESPOONS BALSAMIC VINEGAR ½ CUP ROUGHLY CHOPPED BASIL 1. Preheat the oven to 150°F (just to keep things warm).

2. Season the fish on both sides with salt and pepper, let stand for at least 15 minutes.

3. Warm the oil over medium in a frying pan. Add the fennel in batches and cook until golden brown.

Drain on paper towels, season with salt and pepper and place in the oven.

4. Add the shallots to the oil and cook until golden brown and beginning to crisp. Drain on a paper towel, season with salt and place in the oven.

5. Strain the oil, now scented by the vegetables, to remove any remaining veggies and reserve for later. Wipe down the pan.

6. Warm ¼ cup reserved oil in the same pan over medium-high. Add the fish and cook 5 minutes.

Flip and cook the other side until the fish begins to flake, about 5 more minutes depending on thickness. Transfer the fish to a plate and place in the oven.

7. If needed, add more oil to cover the bottom of the pan. When hot, add the tomatoes and garlic.

Sauté until the tomato skins begin to wrinkle, about 3–4 minutes. Add the vinegar and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the basil and season with salt and pepper; remove from heat.

8. To serve, place a mound of fennel in the center of a plate. Top with a fillet and spoon some tomato mixture over the top of the fish. Garnish with a small amount of shallots. Place the broccoli on the side and serve.

STEAMED BROCCOLI 2

LARGE BROCCOLI CROWNS, CUT INTO BITESIZE PIECES 4 TABLESPOONS BUTTER SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE

1. Steam the broccoli over boiling water until a fork can easily puncture, about 10 minutes.

2. Melt the butter in saute pan. Season with salt and pepper. Add the steamed broccoli and toss.

THIS PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: LAURETTE HAS A BITE OF

THE HALIBUT; THE TABLESCAPE WAS INSPIRED BY THE ALASKAN ENVIRONMENT OPPOSITE PAGE: THE FISH WAS CAUGHT BY TOM IN ALASKA!

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TRAVEL ISSUE 2019

93

Eat Out

94

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Pho-bulous!

Making my way through Houston’s Vietnamese dining options, I found a keeper.

Review and photos by Matthew Abernathy

H

OUSTON IS CLE ARLY THE CAPITAL OF VIETNAMESE CULTURE IN THE SOUTH; in terms of the sheer volume and percentage of businesses that are Vietnamese-owned, themed, authentic, or influenced, Houston wins. And because of this, you can find any number of Vietnamese restaurants with excellent Banh Mi, popular Pho, and all kinds of other delights, for extremely affordable prices. I have made it my mission to try as many of these amazing restaurants as possible. My latest pho venture: Thien An in midtown Houston.

The food here is very fresh, authentic and delicious. In addition to great food, the staff is friendly and over all, the prices are fair. It boasts a nice atmosphere and a very clean dining area. However, if you are looking for fancy decor and more…not gonna happen here.

This place is worth the long commute if you’re not local, and, if you’re local, then you should go as often as possible.

All of the various Vietnamese traditional food choices are available. We started with the pho which was much tastier than

a lot of other places my wife and I have tried over the years. The duck salad is a meal in itself and extremely delicious. Vermicelli was also delicious. I definitely recommend the spring rolls and any of their sandwiches.

You can add a fried egg to any of them! The Vietnamese egg rolls are cooked to perfection. Plenty of parking, nice location and just an all-around nice lunch experience.

For the best appetizer choice, we recommend the Banh Xeo, a delicate, oversized Vietnamese crepe stuffed with pork, shrimp and onion with an abundance of bean sprouts to complete the filling. The appetizer is large enough to feed two! It’s accompanied by pickled shredded carrots/daikon, Thai basil and green leaf lettuce for wrapping.

You can't forget about the flavorful nuoc mam (fish sauce) for dipping.

There’s also another winner in the appetizer section, the Goi Vit, a duck salad that is served with pickled carrots, shredded cabbage, purple onion and finished with fresh mint, peanuts and fried onion.

The Bun Cha Hanoi is one to check out from their menu; so many fresh greens and rice noodles with the

perfect amount of pork leaves me full but not too weighed down.

The pho was really tasty, I didn't leave any behind. Their Bun Mang Vit is the best noodle dish ever. The Bun Rieu Oc is one of my favorite in midtown.

It’s a generous bowl of vermicelli soup filled with escargot, tofu, tomato, ground shrimp and egg. I just dig the aroma; I always take a quick whiff of it first before I voraciously feast on it.

While I have heard that it gets really packed during the

lunch rush hour, their service is still somewhat fast. We were fortunate enough to hit the parking lot as many of the downtown lunch crowd was dispersing and scurrying back to their offices. Thien An is another win for a Houston Vietnamese midtown dining dynasty. H

THIEN AN SANDWICHES 2611 San Jacinto St. Houston, TX 77004 713-522-7007

OPPOSITE PAGE: THE

CRISPY BANH XEO IS STUFFED WITH PORK, SHRIMP AND SPROUTS; THIS PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: THE

COMBINATION PHO HAS A BALANCED BROTH; THE GRILLED PORK BANH MI IS AN EASY LUNCH OPTION TRAVEL ISSUE 2019

95

H Marks the Spot

A

CCORDING TO LOCAL LEGEND, HOUSTONIAN JOHN MILKOVISCH, AN UPHOL STERER FOR THE SOUTHERN PACIFIC R AILROAD, WAS SOMEWHAT OF A HOARDER AND NEVER WANTED TO THROW ANY OF HIS BELONGINGS AWAY. Milkovisch was also a big fan of drinking beer (Falstaff was a favorite) and over time the two issues began to create a problem that he would need to resolve. In 1968, he began a 20-year journey in creating what has been frequently voted as one of the must-see landmarks in our great city.

The Beer Can House is a folk art house located at 222 Malone Street in the Rice Military area of Houston, between Memorial Drive and Washington Avenue. The Beer Can House is covered with flattened beer cans, bottle caps, bottles and an estimated 50,000 plus beer cans. Milkovisch started the project by inlaying thousands of marbles, 96

HTEXAS.COM

Established 1968

rocks, brass figures and various pieces of metal in concrete blocks and wood. He created several fixtures with these materials including patios, fences and flower boxes. A direct quote from Milkovisch when asked why he made all of these items for the yard, “I got sick of mowing the grass.”

In 2001, the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art purchased the house in order to preserve its uniqueness for future generations to appreciate as a piece of true American folk art. Tickets to the Beer Can House are just $5, while kids 12 and under are always free and is open from 12 to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, weather permitting.

—Matthew Abernathy TOP ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: THE BEER CAN HOUSE; A DETAIL OF THE CAN TOPS THAT CURTAIN THE FRONT PORCH

BOTTOM ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: A LOOK AT THE ORIGINAL HOUSE IN THE EXHIBIT; A DETAIL OF THE CAN SHINGLES THAT COVER THE SIDES OF THE HOUSE

TOP ROW PHOTOS BY NICHOLAS NGUYEN; BOTTOM ROW PHOTOS BY FRANSICO SALAS

The Beer Can House

REMOVING CERVICAL CANCER, SO YOU CAN STILL GIVE BIRTH. THAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRACTICING MEDICINE AND LEADING IT. You shouldn’t have to compromise your future to beat cervical cancer. At Houston Methodist, we’re working with a team of specialists to remove the tumor and save the uterus — so you can still give birth. Because stopping cancer, means saving so much more.

houstonmethodist.org

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