Douglas E. "Doug" McWilliams

Nicholas Earles is a partner in SBSB’s Houston office and has been a knowledgeable resource in the maritime space for more than 20 years. While his practice focuses in admiralty, his experience also extends to general and premises liability, workers’ compensation, subrogation and transportation. Additionally, he has navigated difficult cases for energy companies and overseas defense contractors covered by the Defense Base Act. A member of SBSB’s original roster in February 2...

Omar Izfar is a Shareholder for the Land Use and Zoning Section of Wilson, Cribbs & Goren, P.C. where he assists clients with complex land use and zoning issues in connection with commercial, industrial, and large-scale residential development projects. Although Houston lacks formal zoning laws, it has a sophisticated set of land use controls that affect land use and real estate development, largely through the subdivision platting process. Numerous other cities in the metro-Houston area a...

Phillip L. Sampson, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Real Estate. Phillip L., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Phillip L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kenneth M. Krock concentrates his practice in advising and representing clients in business and commercial litigation involving real estate, construction, bankruptcy related disputes, financial institutions, and employment disputes. His experience includes: Advising and representing owners, developers, landlords, property management companies, sellers, buyers, general contractors, subcontractors, construction equipment lenders, real estate professionals, lenders, and others in the real estate...

Debra S. Casaceli is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Debra S., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Debra S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jane Langdell Robinson offers decades of experience in appeals and litigation, primarily in complex commercial matters. A board-certified civil appellate specialist, Jane represents clients in mandamus proceedings, interlocutory appeals, and appeals of final judgments in Texas and other state appellate courts as well as the Fifth Circuit, other federal circuit courts, the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and the United States Supreme Court. Trial lawyers often rely on Jane for legal anal...

Lauren Black is a partner in the firm’s Litigation Practice Group with more than a decade of experience handling a diverse array of matters. While her practice is “industry agnostic,” she has represented clients in the energy, construction, manufacturing, healthcare, shipping, technology, and logistics industries. Lauren has achieved favorable results for clients facing all aspects of civil litigation, from a strategic approach to early dispute resolution to a favorable sett...

Mary Kogut P.C. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law. Mary, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mary is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jason is one of the nation's top trial lawyers for one reason: when he represents a client, he's all in. No matter how tough the fight. No matter how big the challenge. When it matters most, he's there for people who have been wronged. He takes every case personally, treating each client like family while he fights to rebuild their lives. When people need to win, they call Jason. He's won several verdicts and settlements worth more than $100 million, dozens of results worth more than $10 mill...

Kelly Hartmann focuses on resolving client issues through innovative, cost-effective strategies that align with business goals—balancing aggressive litigation with practical resolution. He represents energy, maritime, and construction firms, their underwriters, and insurers, and handles complex litigation including wrongful death, Jones Act, drilling operations, health care, and trucking liability cases. Kelly also advises clients on contracts and commercial documents, including master ...