Insight

Texas' Best Lawyers 2022

Our Texas' Best Lawyers 2022 publication features top-ranked legal talent in Texas.

Published: June 15, 2022

The 2022 Texas’ Best Lawyers publication includes top-ranked Texan legal talent excerpted from The Best Lawyers in America^® and the second edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America as well as articles highlighting some of Texas’ most prolific legal news, attorneys, and firms.

In this issue, we feature Dallas-based personal injury lawyer Frank L. Branson, founder of The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson and member of the Best Lawyers Advisory Board. Branson discusses the dangers of inexperienced and underqualified truck drivers on the road and how their poor training can lead to unsafe roadways. Near record levels of highway accidents involving large trucks are contributing to injury and death across the nation. Branson is continuing his more than 30 years of work exposing trucking companies and raising awareness for truck safety, urging companies to offer better training, adequate supervision and better conditions for drivers. Background checks and better screening processes are also needed for truck drivers. Branson states: “There’s no excuse for cutting safety when 40-ton 18-wheelers are sharing the roads with motorists.” If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it’s crucial to find a lawyer who understands the complexities of trucking litigation and can protect your rights.

This issue also features cover stories and articles about:

Leading San Antonio trial lawyer Daniel J.T. Sciano and the major wins he had in both federal and state courts in 2021
Joseph F. Brophy and his Austin firm on how passion, hard work and preparation are their keys to success in and out of the courtroom
Dallas trail attorneys Michael Lyons and Christopher Simmons and their unwavering dedication to their clients
Houston trial icon Dan Cogdell and the upcoming Netflix series that documents his career and a huge 1990s acquittal he achieved for one of 11 Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas
A look at how ESG is changing the legal landscape in Texas, with a breakdown of ESG standards and how they are altering the field of law in the state
A feature on 2022 Dallas Immigration Law “Lawyer of the Year” Charla Truett, attorney at Richard A. Gump Jr. Law Group
Listings for Texas lawyers honored in The Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America and "Lawyer of the Year" listings

Continue exploring legal insight or return to the 2021 Texas Best Lawyers publication for additional perspectives and analysis from leading lawyers across the state.

Learn More About:

Personal Injury

Texas

Lawyers in Columbus, Ohio

David K. Stein

Taft

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Banking and Finance Law

Cannabis Law

Commercial Litigation

Recognized since 2024 in

David K. Stein

David K. Stein is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law, Cannabis Law and Commercial Litigation. David K., who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David K. Stein

David A. Swift

Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Trusts and Estates

Recognized since 1997 in

David A. Swift

Dave Swift is an of-counsel at Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP and a Family Wealth & Estate Planning Group member. He practices estate planning, estate and trust administration and also engages in the representation of tax-exempt organizations. Dave represents individuals, business owners and families concerning estate planning, tax planning and business succession planning.

David A. Swift

Brian P. Barger

Eastman & Smith LTD

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Natural Resources Law

Recognized since 2024 in

Brian P. Barger

“The object is not for me to win your case in court; the object is for us to win in such a way that we do not need to go to court.” The name Brian P. Barger is well known in the surface mining industry for his decades of work on its behalf which includes: twenty-five years as legal counsel to the Ohio Aggregates & Industrial Minerals Association. former executive with one of the state’s largest aggregates and industrial minerals producers where he was involved with all f...

Brian P. Barger

David DeVillers

Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Recognized since 2024 in

David DeVillers

David DeVillers is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. David, who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David DeVillers

Michael D. Bridges

Dickinson Wright PLLC

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Real Estate Law

Specific Focus

Commercial

Recognized since 2008 in

Michael D. Bridges

Michael has over twenty-five years of experience representing clients in commercial real estate and commercial financing for projects throughout the United States. Michael represents clients in the leasing, disposition and acquisition of industrial, office, multi-family, and hospitality properties throughout the United States. Such representation includes structuring joint venture agreements, public-private partnerships, build-to-suit leasing, and credit tenant leasing. Mr. Bridges also repre...

 
Michael D. Bridges
  Website    Email    Address    Phone Number

Douglas M. Oldham

Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Employment Law - Management

Recognized since 2023 in

Douglas M. Oldham

Doug Oldham advises employers of all sizes on a broad range of fair employment and wage and hour policies and practices to avoid disputes with employees. When those disputes are inevitable, Doug represents employers in employment discrimination and wage and hour litigation in courts across the country. Since joining the firm more than a decade ago, Doug has accumulated significant labor and employment litigation experience. Doug is actively involved in briefing motions for summary judgment, m...

Douglas M. Oldham

William Nesbitt

Koffel & Nesbitt

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

DUI / DWI Defense

Recognized since 2025 in

William Nesbitt

William Nesbitt is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of DUI / DWI Defense. William, who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

William Nesbitt

Scott N. Friedman

Friedman & Mirman Co. LPA

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Family Law

Recognized since 2015 in

Scott N. Friedman

Scott Friedman is an OSBA Board Certified Specialist in Family Relations Law. Mr. Friedman is also licensed to practice law in the State of Florida. Mr. Friedman was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio and attended The Columbus Academy. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Miami University and his Juris Doctorate from Capital University Law School, where he was honored with the Order of the Curia. Scott served as President Chair of the American Bar Association Family Law Section for 2013-2014 ...

Scott N. Friedman

Geoffrey S. Kunkler

Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Trusts and Estates

Recognized since 2021 in

Geoffrey S. Kunkler

Geoffrey Kunkler joined Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP in 2014 and has been a Partner since 2018. His practice is centered around estate planning for individuals and business owners, as well as asset protection planning for retirees. He focuses primarily on the areas of estate planning, elder protection, estate administration, charitable and philanthropic planning and special needs planning. He also has extensive experience in conducting educational seminars on legal topics related to his e...

 
Geoffrey S. Kunkler
  Website    Email    Address    Phone Number

Philip J. Fulton

Philip J. Fulton Law Office

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants

Specific Focus

Social Security Disability

Recognized since 1995 in

Philip J. Fulton

Philip J. Fulton is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants. Philip J., who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 1995. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Philip J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

 
Philip J. Fulton
  Website    Address    Phone Number

IN PARTNERSHIP

Battle-Tested Dedication for Truck Wreck Victims

by The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson

Courtroom legend Frank L. Branson and his team give a voice to the voiceless, representing victims of catastrophic trucking and motor vehicle accidents.

IN PARTNERSHIP

When the Result Means Everything

by Lyons & Simmons

Michael Lyons and Christopher Simmons, Texas-based trial attorneys and founders of the firm Lyons & Simmons, are dedicated to finding justice for their clients.

Two suited lawyers walk side by side while talking

Unwavering Dedication to Clients

by Best Lawyers

Trial attorneys Michael Lyons and Chris Simmons find motivation when the result means everything.

Photo Trial attorneys Michael Lyons and Chris Simmons discussing the case

Dan Sciano Renaissance Lawyer

by Justin Smulison

Tinsman & Sciano recently celebrated 50 years as greater San Antonio’s leading trial law firm for civil litigation and personal injury. Daniel J.T. Sciano obtained judgments for his clients in both Federal and State courthouses in 2021. A trial lawyer with many talents and diverse knowledge of the law.

Exceptional Advocacy

by Justin Smulison

Two-time Personal Injury “Lawyer of the Year”, Daniel J.T. Sciano, reflects on the uniqueness and successes of his 40th year as one of San Antonio’s top litigators

Trial Law Leadership

by Justin Smulison

Daniel J.T. Sciano, twice-named Best Lawyers® San Antonio “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs (2010, 2012), discusses how his record of success impacts clients and Texas’ legal community

Big Case Warriors

by Best Lawyers

The co-founders of Lyons & Simmons, LLP discuss their relentless dedication to pursuing justice for clients while also invoking change.

Co-founders of Lyons & Simmons LLP, Michael Lyons and Chris Simmons

IN PARTNERSHIP

What Is the Personal Injury Claims Process in Madison, Wisconsin?

by Steve Eisenberg

Person writing notes on paper with pen reviewing personal injury claim documentation

New Texas Family Laws Transform Navigating Divorce, Custody

by Bryan Driscoll

Reforms are sweeping, philosophically distinct and designed to change the way families operate.

Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer? What to Know Before You Decide

by Bryan Driscoll

A clear guide to understanding when legal help can protect your rights after an injury.

lawyer reviewing documents with client during personal injury consultation

When Being 17 Really Is a Crime

by Bryan Driscoll

Why harsh juvenile justice laws are making a comeback in some states.

Texas Targets Bail Reform, Improving Victims' Rights in 2025 Criminal Laws

by Laurie Villanueva

Austin had one of the most consequential legislative sessions in recent history.

Bail definition with Texas Flag overlaid

Georgia’s Tort Reform Overhaul

by Bryan Driscoll

A New Front in the National Battle Over Civil Justice

Supreme Court Opens New Door for Personal Injury Claims Under RICO

by Bryan Driscoll

The litigation landscape is rapidly shifting

Personal injury RICO claims marijuana hed

Medical Malpractice Reform Trends in Texas, Utah, Georgia and SC

by Bryan Driscoll

A fresh wave of medical malpractice reform is reshaping the law.

New Texas Law Opens Door for Non-Lawyers to Practice

by Gregory Sirico

Texas is at a critical turning point in addressing longstanding legal challenges. Could licensing paralegals to provide legal services to low-income and rural communities close the justice gap?

Texas' Best Lawyers 2022

Lawyers in Columbus, Ohio

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