Litigation: General Commercial: Texas

THE FIRM This large team of talented litigators is backed by a strong national and international profile. Around 140 lawyers in its Texas offices regularly handle commercial, securities, professional liability, product liability, patent, white-collar, antitrust and energy litigation matters. The group has recently handled matters on behalf of such clients as Dr Pepper Snapple, Merck, Halliburton, and BP Products North America.

Sources say: "A highly cohesive group of very talented litigators with a diverse skill set. There are no weak links."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Former Chief Justice Thomas Phillips regularly argues cases before the Texas Supreme Court and other federal and state courts of appeal. He was recently retained by the speaker of the Texas House of Representatives to advise the House during the state's redistricting process. The esteemed Gregory Copeland handles complex litigation in all sectors of the energy industry, and has been representing BP and ExxonMobil in environmental matters. Clients say: "He is excellent. He is always direct, down-to-earth and the consummate professional." Rod Phelan, who is described as outstanding, represents lawyers and accountants in professional liability suits and businesses in commercial disputes. Recent work highlights include defending a Texas law firm against allegations of a conflict of interest and malpractice, and an international real estate developer in a dispute with a partner. Securities litigation practice cochair David Sterling defends corporations in merger litigation, derivative litigation and class actions. He recently led a team defending Perot Systems and its directors in a class action challenging Perot Systems' proposed $4 billion merger with Dell. Seasoned litigator and "fine trial lawyer" Irv Terrell recently achieved the settlement of a $14 billion dispute on behalf of Credit Suisse. Macey Reasoner Stokes leads the group's appellate practice and recently acted as lead counsel for the John G. and Marie Stella Kennedy Memorial Foundation in two appeals and a mandamus in the Texas Supreme Court. Cochair of the firm’s white-collar and corporate investigations practice, Samuel Cooper has spent much of the past year focused on litigation arising out of FCPA investigations, representing clients such as Pride International and Parker Drilling. James Maloney represents clients in prosecuting or defending uninvited or hostile acquisition attempts. He has been advising Novartis in litigation relating to its acquisition of Alcon Laboratories. John Anaipakos handles energy litigation on behalf of clients such as RRI Energy and Marathon Oil. He also continues to lead the defense of CenterPoint Energy in litigation arising after Hurricane Ike. Pharmaceuticals guru Richard Josephson has a sterling reputation in the product liability field. He continues to represent Merck and AstraZeneca in product liability suits and the defense of actions brought by attorneys general involving the drugs Vioxx and Seroquel. Mark Robeck dedicates himself to representing energy companies in litigation and regulatory matters around the country. He recently obtained a favorable award for an energy client in an AAA arbitration relating to fuel conversion services. Stephen Scheve handles various commercial, IP and product liability matters for pharmaceutical clients such as Elan Corp and Actelion. Robb Voyles chairs the firmwide litigation group and regularly represents clients in securities litigation and professional liability matters. He successfully represented Grant Thornton in an appeal before the Texas Supreme Court.

THE FIRM Commercial litigation is the cornerstone of this Houston boutique's practice, and the foundation of its prowess in such areas as oil and gas, product liability, antitrust, securities, environmental, insurance coverage and legal malpractice.

Sources say: "A terrific firm with some superb individuals. A force in the marketplace."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Cofounder David Beck is a "Class A individual" and the "go-to guy" for commercial litigation matters. He recently represented ExxonMobil in a breach of contract lawsuit, obtaining a complete defense verdict. Experienced trial lawyer Murray Fogler is commended for his understated manner, intellectual firepower, and courageous approach. Sources warn:  "One should not be misled by his laid back and good natured style - he is an exceedingly effective jury trial lawyer." David Gunn focuses on appellate law and offers extensive experience in a wide range of areas, including oil and gas, PI, and commercial disputes. Joe Redden represents clients in a wide range of disputes involving IP, drugs and devices, product liability, and energy. Alistair Dawson has broad general commercial litigation practice and is described as "a pleasure to work with - very smart, well prepared, well organized." Russell Post chairs the appellate section of the Houston Bar Association. He concentrates on civil appeals in both state and federal courts. The experienced Thomas McDade has a broad commercial litigation background, which includes antitrust, securities, contract and business torts. He is a well-known character in the energy world.

THE FIRM This international powerhouse has one of the largest teams of litigators in the state. The firm's global and national network provides a wealth of resources on which to draw. Over the last year, the team has been involved in a number of significant class action and toxic tort cases, and continues to be busy with medical malpractice and environmental litigation.

Sources say: "They are thorough, very responsive, and thoughtful about budget."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Class actions specialist Daniel McClure is praised for his keen analytical skills and "calmness in the face of craziness." He specializes in oil and gas class actions. The "strong and capable" Rodney Acker is recognized for his securities work. This "fantastic trial lawyer" has been representing clients in cases involving subprime and auction rate securities. Reagan Brown's trial performance wins staunch praise, and he is especially noted for his appellate work. Stephen Dillard is commended for his thorough preparation and a businesslike approach. Sources say: "He's a very talented lawyer and intelligent. He's the whole package." He devotes a significant portion of his practice to the defense of environmental litigation. "Go-to lawyer" Gerard Pecht concentrates on complex business and commercial litigation, including securities litigation and enforcement, antitrust, and internal investigations. The "very fine" Otway Denny is a respected trial lawyer and has earned a solid reputation for mass disaster cases. William Wood's practice is tilted towards the energy industry, and sources admire his performance in trials.

THE FIRM This Houston-based litigation boutique focuses exclusively on complex commercial litigation and enjoys a diamond-bright reputation in Texas and across the USA. The attorneys here cover a wide front, including securities, energy, and appellate matters. An impressive list of clients is drawn from many sectors, including banking, healthcare, and construction.

Sources say: "There are no weak links on the team whatsoever. I’d give the whole firm a 10 out of 10, from partners to receptionists. Everyone is unbelievably good."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "unbelievably good" Robin Gibbs is "always to the point," and acknowledged by peers as a formidable opponent. His reputation for excellence extends across an astonishing variety of commercial cases, and he has recently been representing Trustmark National Bank in a lawsuit relating to the collapse of the Stanford Financial Group. Top securities lawyer Kathy Patrick inspires confidence in her clients and dread in her opponents, and clients have described her as "probably the best trial attorney in the country." Grateful clients are "blown away by her" and highlight especially her "courage and independence." Her recent activities include pending NCFE litigation in which the firm has already collected over $500 million in settlements. The "remarkably resourceful" Mark Giugliano's profile continues to rise. His "rugged persistence" as he represents both plaintiffs and defendants in a range of complex headline cases wins him praise. He is currently representing an energy company in several matters involving shareholder oppression, gross mismanagement and fraud. Barrett Reasoner is involved in a variety of complex commercial litigation cases. Recent matters have included representing Farouk Systems in an action against Costco concerning the sale of counterfeit products, and advising a global law firm in defense of a legal malpractice claim.

THE FIRM This national litigation boutique has an impressive track record in high-stakes commercial litigation. Often associated with the plaintiff side, the lawyers here have a reputation for attracting superior and creative cases.

Sources say: "They are excellent at what they do - heavy, hard-hitting litigators."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources admire Lee Godfrey's easy style and rapport with juries. "Smart and successful, he does a great job and wins." His practice is split between general commercial and energy litigation. Stephen Susman is "the dean of the plaintiffs' Bar," according to sources. The excellent Barry Barnett is experienced at representing defendants and plaintiffs in lawsuits and arbitrations. Neal Manne specializes in mass tort and energy litigation. Kenneth Marks receives praise for his insight and encyclopedic knowledge of the law. He handles a broad range of commercial litigation and has a respected securities practice. Harry Susman is "one of the first to come to mind for big-ticket litigation" for plaintiffs and defendants throughout the country. Mark Wawro is commended for his tireless and hard working approach. 

THE FIRM With roots deep in the Texan oil industry, this national group has a long and impressive history as an energy powerhouse. It also handles high stakes litigation in a range of other commercial litigation areas. Clients benefit from an impressively strong bench and depth of experience. The firm was recently chosen by Fluor to appeal a Beaumont trial court’s judgment awarding $100 million in actual and punitive damages against Fluor. Other clients include BP, Blockbuster, Ernst & Young, Spectra Energy, and Shell Oil.

Sources say: "Excellent lawyers and a terrific practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Harvin is praised for his thorough preparation, conscientiousness approach, and unassuming style. Kenneth Held has a healthy class actions practice and is known for handling disputes of all kinds in the securities and energy cases. Guy Lipe continues to act in the Fluor matter alongside Ferguson McNiel and Marie Yeates. McNiel has extensive trial experience in construction, product liability, toxic tort, and energy cases, while Yeates is particularly well known for her strong appellate practice. Senior trial lawyer William Sims is great with juries and recently achieved the dismissal of all claims against Baron & Budd in a suit for breach of contract, fraud, and tortious interference. James Thompson focuses on complex commercial litigation, specializing in energy-related matters. He is currently defending Gastar Exploration and its subsidiaries in a series of lawsuits relating to an alleged fraud scheme. Phillip Dye's extensive civil litigation practice has an appreciable transnational streak. He worked with Thompson on the Gastar case. Appellate specialist Gwendolyn Samora is experienced in complex commercial appeals, including securities fraud appeals and energy-related litigation. Robert Schick covers all aspects of environmental litigation, product liability, complex tort and classwide litigation at both trial and appellate levels. Senior trial lawyer Harry Reasoner specializes in complex civil litigation and continues to act as lead trial counsel on high-value, sensitive matters.

THE FIRM The firm is particularly noted for its work in the energy and mass tort areas, and has been emphasizing commercial litigation recently. The firm has been representing KBR and Halliburton in a series of lawsuits arising out of KBR’s work supporting military operations in Iraq in 2004.

Sources say: "A good, strong team."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Meadows is highly regarded for his practice in environmental and tort litigation, while Doak Bishop is seen as "one of the best international arbitration lawyers in the world."

THE FIRM This rapidly growing Dallas-based litigation boutique packs a powerful punch in commercial litigation, as well as its core IP practice. The attorneys here continue to earn their laurels representing clients such as Adobe and Apple on patent infringement matters.

Sources say: "A terrific firm. The gold standard. They have some really talented senior lawyers, and they're certainly not afraid of the court house." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Noted IP expert Mike McKool is "smart, hardworking and good in front of the jury." He was lead trial counsel for Lockheed Martin in an antitrust suit brought by L-3 Communications. Lewis LeClair has been representing the Trustee of the LLV Creditor Trust in litigation stemming from the Lake at Las Vegas Joint Venture bankruptcy. Clients "wish every trial lawyer would cross-examine as well as Samuel Baxter," who specializes in patent infringement. 

THE FIRM The compliments flow thick and fast for this experienced Houston-based litigation boutique. It is often the preferred local counsel for heavy hitters needing credibility and insight in the Houston courts. The team has impressive range, including white-collar criminal matters, contract disputes, fraud and securities claims, patent cases, disaster cases, and medical malpractice defense. The firm has been representing a party in interest in the investigations of the Deepwater Horizon rig explosion and oil spill, and the City of Houston in a constitutional challenge to the city sign code.

Sources say: "A fantastic litigation group. They are all very good lawyers - I have huge amounts of confidence in them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Fine jury-trial lawyer" Lee Kaplan devotes a substantial portion of his time to IP litigation. Craig Smyser specializes in medical malpractice and PI defense work.

THE FIRM Carrington Coleman enjoys huge respect in the Dallas community, with a loyal base of clients. The firm is known for its trial strength.

Sources say: "A formidable group."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The outstanding Fletcher Yarbrough and James Coleman command the respect of peers and the confidence of clients.

THE FIRM This strong national group has a solid Texas base, with offices in Houston, Austin, Dallas, Richardson, San Antonio, and Fort Worth. The firm recently represented the owner of the Boston Red Sox, New England Sports Ventures, in its bid for English soccer club Liverpool FC. The firm also recently represented RIM against Kodak in an IP case.

Sources say: "Excellent litigators - it's a pleasure to see them at work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nina Cortell has a nationally respected appellate practice. George Bramblett is a senior figure and known for intelligence and sound judgment. Expert in appellate matters, Lynne Liberato is regarded as an "outstanding communicator."

THE FIRM Jones Day offers national and international scope, and is commended for its integration and national coordination. The firm specializes in handling matters for large companies and has an impeccable client base that includes CBS Outdoor, Century Aluminum, Chevron, Expedia/Hotels.com/Hotwire, IBM, and Yamaha.

Sources say: "What stands out is their professionalism and the ability to take on almost any task, anywhere. The firm's lead trial lawyers are very high caliber."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Scott Fletcher focuses his practice on securities litigation and D&O liability matters. Patricia Villareal is known primarily for representing public companies, and their directors and officers, facing securities and corporate governance litigation. Thomas Fennell is known as "one of the top international litigators in the country." He focuses on product liability disputes, and is currently representing Yamaha in a worldwide products case involving their Rhino vehicle. "Phenomenal litigator" James Karen is "always trying to define the solution that works for the company. He's a problem solver who understands our objectives and helps to get us there," according to clients.

THE FIRM This is a client favorite for high-end national litigation and fields an impressive bench of trial and appellate lawyers. It is well known for oil and gas and mortgage work. Clients range from Fortune 500 companies to individual entrepreneurs in industries including finance, manufacturing, healthcare, insurance, pharmaceutical, transportation and e-commerce. Notable clients include American Airlines, Sony Pictures, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Swiss Re, and Lehman Brothers.

Sources say: "Very good about keeping us informed. Not cheap, but excellent value for money."

KEY INDIVIDUALS With more than 40 years of experience under his belt, Mike Hatchell is, in the words of clients and peers, "the dean of appellate practice." Robert Beatty is experienced in commercial dispute resolution, primarily in the energy and oil and gas industries. James Leahy is a strong, capable and well-respected oil and gas trial lawyer. Respected commercial trial lawyer Michael Powell is "more than a courtroom guy - he's a fine strategist." Experienced managing partner Jerry Clements has an excellent reputation as a general commercial lawyer, representing Fortune 500 companies in a broad range of industries.

THE FIRM This litigation boutique has earned a sterling reputation at the deep end of business litigation. The team recently successfully defended Time Warner Cable in a mandamus trial brought by the City of San Antonio.

Sources say: "They are among the best litigators I've used anywhere. They are masters at understanding the facts and presenting cases to judge and jury. They are highly accessible and they communicate well."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mike Lynn is a highly accomplished litigator, known for his intellect and tough, hardworking approach. Clients applaud his "amazing ability to communicate with jurors, cross examine and present cases," while peers acknowledge him as "one of the best lawyers in the state." Trey Cox has a broad-based business practice with emphasis on commercial litigation. Experienced litigator Jeff Tillotson focuses on complex commercial litigation cases, and clients are especially pleased with his cross-examination skills.

THE FIRM This long established Dallas-based firm handles both transactional work and litigation nationally. It has an extensive trial practice and is experienced in alternative dispute resolution forums nationally and internationally. Clients include Allegiance Telecom, Mitsubishi Heavy Industry, and BNSF Railway.

Sources say: "Very positive, very helpful - they do a first rate job."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Craig Haynes's practice covers many areas, but he is mainly associated with energy. He was recently involved in a class action alleging securities fraud. Group chair Timothy McCormick handles complex litigation centered on corporate and shareholder rights, M&A, securities litigation, and antitrust issues.

THE FIRM This international heavyweight has one of the best reputations in the USA for high-stakes cases and fields a very considerable team of litigators in Texas. Clients especially praise the firm's standards of expertise and client service. Over the last year, the group has handled some notable cases on behalf of clients such as Zale, SemGroup, Trump Entertainment Resorts, The Texas Rangers, Willis Insurance, Citibank, and Halliburton.

Sources say: "They have a very sophisticated practice. Lawyers are skilled at what they do, they really know the law and they are very quick and responsive."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Yvette Ostolaza is known for the sophistication of her practice. She is an experienced trial lawyer, but specializes in internal investigations and reviews, including whistleblower, accounting, and executive issues. Clients say: "She is a really fabulous litigator and truly amazing at analyzing issues and gathering facts. Her advice is always practical and pragmatic."

THE FIRM This litigation boutique lives off a robust diet of top-tier trials and appeals. It is a great hit with existing clients, such as GE and American Airlines, and has been successfully attracting new clients such as Ponderosa Pine Energy.

Sources say: "What we like is that they think outside of the box in every single way, from service to billing. It's refreshing and I think it's because they're smaller and not institutionalized."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Yetter has build a superb reputation in trials because, say clients, "he has an intuition about how to manage a jury that is instinctive and hard to teach. He is an amazing lawyer." Top flight practitioner Reagan Simpson recently arrived from King & Spalding. He is praised as "a terrific litigator and appellate lawyer - truly exceptional."

THE FIRM Akin Gump's litigation team handles matters in federal and state court at both trial and appellate level. Typical engagements including litigating in business, employment, securities and energy-related disputes, although the firm is also experienced in alternative dispute resolution, including arbitration. Recent work includes defending asset management firm Waddell & Reed in a California wage and hour putative class action and FLSA collective action concerning the alleged misclassification of financial advisers as independent contractors instead of employees. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Experienced litigator Orrin Harrison has a broad practice that incorporates energy, securities, antitrust and other complex business matters, and is described by peers as "a fine lawyer and a worthy opponent." He has been involved in the Waddell & Reed representation mentioned above. Former appellate judge Murry Cohen, now head of the firm's Texas appellate practice, is respected for his deep knowledge of the courts.

THE FIRM Andrews Kurth's Texas litigation team comprises 93 attorneys spread across offices in Houston, Dallas, and Austin. While energy litigation remains a mainstay at the firm, the team is also adept at handling disputes involving ERISA, banking, healthcare, and real estate. It also has a growing practice in corporate investigations. The firm has recently been representing BP as local counsel in Texas in matters relating to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Former Texas Supreme Court justice Scott Brister heads the appellate practice at Andrews Kurth. He handles a broad range of litigation and is currently involved in the representation of BP mentioned above.

THE FIRM This Houston-headquartered firm is noted in the market for having a team of high-quality litigators, handling a range of general commercial, energy, bankruptcy, IP and other matters. Recent highlights include representing drilling technology company Tesco Corporation in a patent infringement suit filed against Weatherford International. Other important clients include BAE Systems, China National Petroleum, and GlaxoSmithKline.

Sources say: "I felt the firm treated me very well as a client - I got a good service and excellent advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Senior partner Clifford Gunter has nearly 40 years' experience in trial representations for major clients, and is particularly noted for his knowledge of the energy sector. He continues to be involved in the representation of Powerex in litigation arising from the California energy crisis. Sources say he is "a very vibrant, very capable trial lawyer." Head of the firm's appellate practice Warren Harris has handled hundreds of appeals and original proceedings in the Texas Supreme Court, United States Supreme Court, and state and federal courts of appeals. Brett Busby's experience as a US Supreme Court clerk gives him "outstanding credentials," according to sources, who also laud him for being "very bright and a great leader."

THE FIRM This international firm has a respected litigation practice operating out of its Houston office. The team of five partners and seven associates focuses largely on construction, energy and aviation litigation, and recently represented Airbus in multidistrict litigation arising from the crash of Air France Flight 447 into the Atlantic Ocean while en route to Paris from Rio de Janeiro.

Sources say: "The firm always delivers - and I never question the quality. You just know it will have the resources to deal with your problem."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tom Bayko is "an outstanding lawyer," who stands out in particular for his experience in energy-related litigation. He currently represents Halliburton in an insurance coverage dispute against the London market relating to an explosion at one of Halliburton's facilities in Nigeria. Senior litigator Gib Walton also has a name in energy litigation, and was part of the team that successfully represented Alfred C Glassell, Jr and others against Chesapeake Exploration in a breach of contract claim relating to the sale of oil and gas properties. Also in that team was Thad Dameris, who clients applaud for "performing miracles" in a litigation context. He mainly focuses on product liability work, and has had a key role in the Airbus representations. 

THE FIRM This Houston-based team is still relatively new to the market, but it continues to add to its reputation for providing very good representation across a wide range of industries, including chemical, energy, aviation, computing, and retail. The client list is impressive and features the likes of Hewlett-Packard, CenterPoint Energy and Weatherford International. Recent standout work includes representing Toyota in an alleged corruption and fraud suit, filed in the Eastern District of Texas, in which the plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed their claims against the company.

Sources say: "The firm is high quality and very committed to its clients - it has a real focus on client retention. Very responsive, keeping us up-to-date with things - it does a great job of partnering our company."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Former Solicitor General Ted Cruz cochairs the firmwide US Supreme Court and national appellate litigation practice. He is one of the most experienced lawyers in Texas before the US Supreme Court, having argued eight cases, and was involved in the firm's successful representation of over three million veterans in the widely publicized legal battle over the constitutionality of the Mojave Desert Veterans Memorial. Head of the IP practice Winstol Carter focuses on complex commercial and patent litigation and has tried almost 100 cases to verdict in his 30 years of practice. He was involved in the work for Toyota mentioned above. "Super strategist and brilliant adviser" Brady Edwards is managing partner of the Houston office. He focuses on product liability and mass tort litigation, and is particularly active in matters involving asbestos. Source say that he is "client-conscious, practical, and has sound business acumen." Allyson Ho is second cochair of the firmwide US Supreme Court and national appellate litigation practice, and is described by sources as "a superstar young appellate lawyer." She worked alongside Carter in the Toyota case.

THE FIRM Reynolds Frizzell is a Houston-based boutique that focuses on the representation of plaintiffs and defendants in complex commercial litigation. It has a niche in antitrust, but also handles disputes involving, among other things, energy, product liability, securities, intellectual property, patent infringement, and construction.

Sources say: "The firm performs outstandingly. The lawyers devote fully to a case, and their grasp of issues and areas which are completely new to the firm is quick and efficient."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christopher Reynolds has considerable experience in high-stakes litigation involving patent infringement, trade secret, antitrust, legal malpractice, and securities fraud. He is a hit with clients, who report that "Chris is an intuitive and strategic thinker - excellent in the courtroom, with a tenacious work ethic." Also earning praise is the excellent Jean Frizzell, who sources described as "the best open and close case lawyer." He has had numerous successes in breach of contract, oil and gas, securities, IP, and a wide range of other litigation. Jeremy Doyle is another of the firm's multitalented trial lawyers.

THE FIRM Dallas-based Rose Walker is another boutique that specializes in trying complex business cases for both plaintiffs and defendants. Its areas of expertise include IP, product liability, labor and employment, and PI. Recent standout verdicts include the award of $7.3 million in damages and fees to client MumboJumbo in a legal battle with its former business partner involving the sale and distribution of games.

Sources say: "They are real trial lawyers - some of the very best I have ever seen. Many times we have out-lawyered our opponents with unique strategies."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Both Ross Cunningham and Martin Rose were involved in the MumboJumbo representation mentioned above. Cunningham is well known in the aviation sector and is celebrated by clients for being "a quick thinker and very likable - he has an extremely sharp mind and can recite facts, law and strategy on every case he manages." Founding partner Rose has been trying cases for more than 36 years, and has experience in matters ranging from IP to personal injury and wrongful death. An excellent trial lawyer, he is praised for "caring very deeply about the outcome - he really spoke to the jury, focused around the heart of the issue – he wanted to make sure that everything we said was credible."