Connor Smith

Michael Riordan is a senior attorney in the firm’s Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights Practice Group. His practice is primarily focused on the restructuring of companies in and out of bankruptcy, debtors' and creditors' rights, debtor-in-possession financers, and the acquisition and sale of distressed assets. Michael regularly counsels clients on out-of-court workouts and turnarounds, as well as strategies clients can employ to minimize the risk of doing business with distressed c...

Joseph E. Bain is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation - Bankruptcy. Joseph E. practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Joseph E. Bain since 2025. 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 Joseph E. Bain is held by other ...

J. Eric Johnson is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Corporate Law, Oil and Gas Law and Securities / Capital Markets Law. J. Eric practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized J. Eric Johnson since 2021. 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 J. Eric Johnson is held by other lawyers.

Peter C. Blomquist is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Peter C. practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Peter C. Blomquist since 2016. 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 Peter C. Blomquist is held by other lawyers.

Steve Fernelius successfully handles high-profile and complex litigation, especially matters that come under intense public scrutiny. He has a sophisticated understanding of how cases affect his clients’ business, and he does everything he can to resolve his clients’ problems. His work for clients includes representing an international oil and gas company in three separate trials from 2005 to 2009 involving a catastrophic explosion at one of its oil refineries, which ultimately re...

Tim Shelby focuses on complex commercial litigation and oil and gas-related litigation. When interviewed by Chambers USA, clients offered the following assessments: “Tim is an excellent trial lawyer;” “Tim has good common sense and comes up with great strategy, which always leads to good results;” and “Tim is excellent at what he does.” Tim is recognized by Best Lawyers in America for commercial litigation in Texas from 2015 – 2025. Tim is recognized ...

Mark Dundon is a tax partner in the Houston office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Mark’s practice focuses on the tax aspects of complex mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, restructurings and financing transactions, primarily in the energy industry. He has represented large and mid-cap private equity funds and their portfolio companies, as well as large public and private corporations.

Kerry E. Notestine represents employers in all aspects of employment matters, including litigation under federal, state, and local anti-discrimination statutes, as well as the common law; administrative proceedings before various federal and state government agencies; and counseling employers regarding employment issues, particularly leaves and reductions-in-force. Kerry’s book, Employment Law Trials: A Practical Guide, published in 2005 by LexisNexis Publishing, is a leading work on th...

Kristen McDanald is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Insurance Law. Kristen practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Kristen McDanald since 2023. 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 Kristen McDanald is held by other lawyers.

Todd G. Crawford has handled a broad scope of complex litigation, ranging from toxic exposures to marine disasters to catastrophic oilfield blowouts. Todd remains busy splitting his time between the firm’s Houston office and New Orleans office, while still managing the Gulfport office allowing him to easily represent his clients all along the Gulf Coast region. Todd's practice includes general maritime law matters, including arrests and attachments, cargo claims, limitation of liability...