Claire N. Raggio

Russell W. Budd, a mainstay of the plaintiff’s bar with more than forty-five years’ experience representing victims of corporate wrongdoing, has been a trailblazer for the entirety of his career. Serving as a Baron & Budd shareholder since 1985 and president and managing shareholder since 2002, Mr. Budd presides over one of the nation’s largest plaintiffs’ firms. Founded in 1977, Baron & Budd has nearly 200 full-time employees and is headquartered in Dallas, Te...

Sally Helppie is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Sally, who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sally is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Gavin Martinson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Gavin, who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gavin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

P. Keith Staubus is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Trusts and Estates. P. Keith, who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which P. Keith is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

2020 Dallas Bar Association President Robert Tobey knows where all the bodies are buried. He is a master at preparing and handling cases for trial, arbitration, or settlement. Robert litigates cases himself and as part of the Johnston Tobey Baruch trial team. “Robert’s attention to detail is phenomenal,” says firm co-founder Randy Johnston. “He can tell you exactly how to keep yourself out of trouble.” Robert is Board Certified in Consumer and Commercial Law by t...

Charlie Haag advises on venture capital, IPOs, high-yield and investment-grade debt, convertible securities, tender offers, spin-offs, reorganizations, mergers and acquisitions, and takeovers. He also regularly counsels clients on corporate governance matters, including fiduciary duties and SEC filings. Charlie is a frequent writer and speaker in the capital markets and corporate governance arena. His recent presentations have focused on the IPO market and developments in corporate governance...

Mr. Thomas is a trial attorney and trained problem solver who draws on a broad base of experience to craft unique solutions for his clients. After earning a long list of honors during college and law school—all at the University of Texas—he gained invaluable experience and exposure as a federal law clerk to the Honorable Jane J. Boyle in Dallas. Mr. Thomas then spent several years honing his litigation skills at Vinson & Elkins, LLP, one of the largest international law firms ...

Patrick Hanchey counsels and represents banks and other financial institution clients in matters involving state and federal banking laws, regulations, enforcement actions, and other corporate activities, such as mergers, acquisitions, capital markets transactions, and holding company formations. Patrick regularly counsels clients on compliance with complex banking laws and regulations before entering into transactions or business activities, and he also has extensive experience in representi...

Jody S. Sanders obtains his clients’ goals by telling their stories and legal arguments through concise, well-written legal briefing and informative and persuasive oral presentations. His effective legal writing has been recognized by his clients, colleagues, co-counsel, and opposing counsel. But, successful presentations are only part of the process. He also ensures the best outcome by preparing strategies that bring success in litigation and throughout the appellate process—whet...

Phillip W. McCrury is the chair of the firm’s Estate, Trust, Probate, and Asset Protection section. He assists individuals, families, and family offices with all varieties of estate planning, generational wealth transfer strategies, trusts, life insurance strategies, and asset protection planning. In addition, he is involved in probate matters throughout Texas, including contested probate matters. Mr. McCrury is an active member of a number of bar sections involving estate and probate m...