Alex Risman

Andrew Payne graduated at the top of his class in law school and started his career working for a prestigious international firm representing large insurers and corporations. But it did not take long for Andy to realize that he wanted to help people who had suffered harm through no fault of their own, not protect negligent corporations whose actions harmed people. Andy’s passion for handling significant personal injury cases stems from this desire to help people who truly need justice. ...

After 15 years at two nationally-recognized law firms in Dallas and Louisville, a formative early role as a Dallas County Assistant District Attorney, over a decade leading his own award-winning commercial litigation and corporate law firm, and being recommended to the Governor for a state judgeship, Blaine is proud to return to his Texas roots as a Partner at Johnston Clem Gifford—a Chambers USA–ranked and U.S. News Tier 1–recognized firm for Commercial Litigation. With 30 ...

Donald E. Godwin is considered one of the most respected and tenacious trial lawyers in Texas. For over 40 years Don has tried significant jury cases in courts throughout Texas and across the United States. He has the ability to translate complex matters of law and fact into easily understandable language for courts and juries. Don's practice covers a broad range of areas with an emphasis on complex litigation, including oil and gas, environmental, fiduciary duties, will contests, major famil...

A fourth generation attorney, Debbie Dudley Branson is a key member of The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson, one of the most respected trial firms in the Southwest. Her work focuses on high-level litigation strategy in a broad array of cases, from catastrophic personal injury claims to complex commercial litigation. Holding an advanced degree in psychology, Ms. Branson also directs focus groups, attitudinal surveys, voir dire, witness preparation, argument, and jury debriefing. Additionally, B...

Frank D. Davis is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Employment Law - Management. Frank D. practices law in Dallas, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Frank D. Davis since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Frank D. Davis is held by other lawyers.

Donald Waltz is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Insurance Law. Donald practices law in Dallas, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Donald Waltz since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Donald Waltz is held by other lawyers.

Dulaney G. "Dee" Steer is a senior partner in the firm's Estate Planning, Probate and Nonprofit Organizations Practice Group. He has prepared numerous estate planning documents, including complex wills, irrevocable trusts, revocable trusts, prenuptial agreements, limited partnership documents, and limited liability company documents. Mr. Steer also works closely with clients in addressing their unique family and business issues. On behalf of various individual and corporate trustees and execu...

Christine Hathaway has more than 30 years of experience providing legal advice in a wide array of corporate, securities and business-related transactions. Her practice includes extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance (including public and private issuances of debt and equity securities), private equity, joint ventures and general business matters. Ms. Hathaway also regularly counsels her clients in everyday matters, including corporate governance, business formatio...

Dean W. Harvey is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Information Technology Law and Privacy and Data Security Law. Dean W. practices law in Dallas, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Dean W. Harvey since 2005. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Dean W. Harvey is held by other lawyers.

R. Brent Cooper focuses his practice on commercial litigation, insurance litigation, and appellate practice. He has had significant experience in the representation of clients before federal and state trial and appellate courts, as well as in arbitration proceedings. He has tried numerous cases covering areas of business litigation, construction litigation, catastrophic personal injuries, complex litigation, intellectual property, constitutional and business tort cases. In his 35 years of pra...