Amir Tavakkoli

Barry is a Director in the Construction and Surety section of Coats Rose in the Houston office. Barry’s practice includes representation of owners, sureties, general contractors and subcontractors in construction litigation, arbitration, construction arbitration, document preparation, investigation and administration of construction contracts and contract defaults, as well as general commercial litigation. Barry has been involved in the mediation, arbitration and trial of numerous matte...

Jason S. McManis is a partner at AZA and the head of AZA’s intellectual property group. He is a skilled trial lawyer with extensive experience in front of the jury in courtrooms across the United States. IAM Patent 1000 ranks Mr. McManis as a leading patent litigator and highlights that he “is often brought in to take over cases from previous counsel” while commending his ability to “adapt to changing circumstances with alacrity.” Mr. McManis represents both plai...

Kent Hanszen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Real Estate Law. Kent, 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 Kent is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Monica Uddin is a trial lawyer and the hiring partner for AZA. She is a skilled trial lawyer who has represented energy companies and other businesses and individuals in a variety of complex commercial matters including contract disputes, partnership break ups, and trade secrets. With a computer science background from Stanford University, she has also been active with AZA’s intellectual property and patent litigation team. A University of Chicago Law School graduate, Ms. Uddin excels a...

Jason Waguespack serves as Managing Director of Galloway and focuses his practice on admiralty and maritime litigation. He regularly represents domestic and international insurers, vessel owners, and offshore service companies, handling a broad range of maritime, commercial, and insurance-related matters. Jason is also a trained mediator. More on Jason’s leadership and maritime experience: gallowaylawfirm.com

Barclay Nicholson is a partner in the Business Trial Practice Group in the firm's Houston office. Areas of Practice In construction related litigation, Barclay has represented some of the nation's largest construction companies. He has routinely represented construction owners as well as general contractors and design professionals in construction defect and construction delay cases. Barclay has dealt with construction related litigation ranging from multi-story residential high rise building...

Shawn O’Brien is nationally recognized by his peers and clients as a leading tax practitioner with a focus on tax disputes and controversies involving state, federal and international tax authorities. Drawing on his 25 years of experience, Shawn represents clients in tax examinations and administrative appeals and, when necessary, serves as a forceful advocate in litigation before the US Tax Court, US district courts, the US Court of Federal Claims, state courts and federal appellate co...

Carolyn Russell represents management in a variety of employment-related matters, including litigation involving age, disability, race and sex discrimination claims, covenants not to compete, trade secrets, wage and hour claims, ERISA claims, and other workplace torts. Her practice focuses on employment litigation and consultation and commercial litigation. She handles all varieties of employment disputes, including claims of discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wrongful termination and b...

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.

Francis D. McWilliams IV is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law. Francis D., 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 Francis D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.