A. Christopher "Chris" Derden

Mindy McGehee Riseden is a Houston-based commercial litigation attorney and shareholder at Crain Caton & James . Mindy focuses on commercial litigation, dedicating a multi-decade practice to representing clients at trial. Mindy counsels local businesses, national corporations, multinational organizations, and individuals across diverse commercial conflicts. Mindy routinely resolves legal disputes involving breach of contract, partnership disputes, insurance brokerage liabilities, real est...

Russell W. Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law. Russell W., 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 Russell W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Co-founder of Houston-based Heim, Payne & Chorush, Les has helped build a nationally respected team of lawyers and has led litigation resulting in numerous 8- and 9- figure verdicts and settlements. As patent law has evolved with inter partes review validity challenges at the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board, Les has become particularly effective representing both patent owners and accused infringers in this rapidly changing landscape. Heim, Payne & Chorush staffs its litigation for...

W. James McAnelly III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Energy Law, Natural Resources Law and Oil and Gas Law. W. James, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which W. James is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Natalie Armour offers experience in trial and appellate matters involving mass torts, pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, and other types of products liability claims, personal injury matters and business litigation. A key member of the Issues and Appeals Section of The Lanier Law Firm in Houston, Ms. Armour has briefed appellate matters before the Texas Supreme Court, Texas Courts of Appeals, Fifth Circuit, Eighth Circuit, and Court of Appeals for the Eastern District of Missouri. ...

Jesse P. Myers is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Jesse P., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jesse P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John Schwambach focuses his practice on the trial and appeal of complex commercial disputes. Mr. Schwambach handles complex civil matters in both state and federal courts. He has briefed and argued many appeals and original proceedings in mandamus before Texas appellate courts, including the Texas Supreme Court and the First, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Thirteenth, and Fourteenth Courts of Appeals. Mr. Schwambach has also briefed and argued numerous pre-trial motions in...

Rachel Sedita is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Rachel, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Rachel is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Amy Karff Halevy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Amy Karff, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2003. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Amy Karff is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jeffrey B. Andrews is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of IT Outsourcing Law and Technology Law. Jeffrey B., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2011. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jeffrey B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.