Andrew Woellner

Charley Davidson leads the firm’s criminal defense practice, where he offers passionate, responsive counsel to guide clients facing state and federal charges in the areas of white collar and blue collar crime. Prior to joining Hanszen Laporte, he was a partner at a large international firm specializing in white collar defense, as well as a partner at a Houston-based criminal defense law firm. Charley also spent three years as an assistant U.S. attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Offic...

Bill Benitez is a partner in the Houston office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. His practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, equity investments, recapitalizations, joint ventures and corporate governance, with a particular emphasis on the energy and infrastructure sector. Clients have described Bill as a “great practitioner” who provides “incredible client service” in connection with his recognition in various industry publications, including Chambers Global, The Wor...

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 ...

Mike Chernekoff is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group. He focuses on environmental law, related areas of environmental litigation and toxic tort defense, and commercial and energy litigation. Mike’s practice centers principally on matters and businesses located in Louisiana and Texas. As a litigator, he develops and pursues effective dispute-resolution strategies in the context of investigations, trials, and settlement negotiations; as a counselor, he regularly helps clients ide...

Jonathan Baughman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Oil and Gas Law. Jonathan, 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 Jonathan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Leslie founded the Giron Kirby Law Group with the goal of providing personalized, effective, and efficient representation to businesses and individuals in relation to their immigration needs. She has dedicated her career to the practice of immigration law and is committed to providing her clients with the highest quality representation available. Prior to starting her own law firm, Leslie was an attorney at one of the nation’s largest immigration law firms, where she represented busines...

Jonathan P. Osha is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Patent and Patent Law. Jonathan P., 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 Jonathan P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Layla Panjwani is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Immigration Law. Layla, 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 Layla is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Luis F. Gomar is a partner in the Corporate department of Paul Hastings and is based in the firm’s Houston office. Mr. Gomar has over 18 years of experience advising on domestic and cross-border transactions in the energy, finance and private equity sectors. Mr. Gomar counsels clients on both domestic and international transactions involving M&A, asset acquisition and divestitures, fund formations, joint ventures and strategic alliances, project development, and structured finance a...

“My clients know their business; I know the law. It’s my job to give them legal perspectives on their issues and advocate for them in any dispute. I like being the voice for my clients.”— Carolyn Carollo Carolyn Carollo represents clients in commercial litigation both in state and federal court, as well as in alternative dispute resolution forums such as mediation and arbitration proceedings. Carolyn has litigated cases from inception to trial and has served as a first...