Barbara R. Light

Board Certified in Construction Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Ben Westcott, the firm’s Co-Managing Shareholder, has a practice that focuses on both transactional and dispute resolution aspects of construction law. He represents general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and owners on substantial construction projects, including schools, public infrastructure, sports facilities, airports, petrochemical and industrial plants, highway projects, wastewater treatment fa...

Michael Childs is a graduate of Texas A&M University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. He received his Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law, with a focus on civil litigation. Mr. Childs first came to the firm in 1996 as a law clerk and became an associate in November 1996. He has over fourteen years of extensive experience with complex family matters. As a litigator, his representation has included divorce, disputed property valuations and divisions of pro...

Alexandre A. Afanassiev is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Immigration Law. Alexandre A., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Alexandre A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

If you had told John Schouest 30 years ago that he would become the leader of a dynamic and multistate law firm, he would have said “no way.” But over time, he realized that providing quality client representation could be achieved in a collegial and respectful environment. He aligned himself with others who felt the same, and SBSB Eastham Law was born. John has always been at home on the water. As a young man, he spent summers working at his father’s push-boat company in Lo...

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

Shubi Arora is a partner in the Houston and Austin offices of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. His practice focuses on M&A transactions, private equity investments and special situations strategies, with a particular focus on the energy and infrastructure sectors. His experience spans the traditional energy sector and includes upstream, midstream and power transactions. He also frequently advises clients on energy technology and transition matters, including renewables, energy storage and carbon...

John is a Director in the Real Estate Section. His practice involves the representation of clients in matters related to real estate development, banking, corporate/partnership matters and special purpose districts used to finance development, including municipal utility districts, levee improvement districts, and tax increment financing districts. He has also represented clients in connection with negotiating Chapter 380 and Chapter 381 development agreements with both cities and counties in...

Ms. Barger has experience in both trial and appellate matters. In private practice, she has assisted in or handled all phases of litigation for a wide variety of clients involved in insurance defense and coverage, products liability, premises liability, personal injury, and commercial lawsuits in state and federal court. While at the Fourteenth Court of Appeals, she researched legal and factual issues, made recommendations to the judges, and assisted the judges in drafting and editing opinion...

Rhett A. van Syoc is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law. Rhett A., 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 Rhett A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Darryl H. Levy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Darryl H., who practices law in Galveston, Texas, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Darryl H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.