Dale D. Smith

Kent has served as a justice on the Texas Court of Appeals, a judge for the 80th District Court in Harris County, Texas, and as First Assistant Attorney General, the second-highest-ranking official of the Texas Office of the Attorney General. In 2017, he was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to serve as the Texas Commissioner of Insurance, the state’s top insurance regulatory position, responsible for the policies, operations, and enforcement activities of the Texas Department of Insura...

Denise H. Kim is a former prosecutor and recognized civil trial lawyer with nearly 20 years of experience representing corporate clients and individuals. With a practice focused around commercial litigation and complex business disputes, Ms. Kim’s extensive litigation work includes cases involving construction defects, professional responsibility for financial professionals, products and premises liability, insurance coverage and defense, derivative shareholder claims, legal malpractice...

Forrest M. Smith III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Forrest M., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Forrest M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Rick is a Director in the Real Estate section of Coats Rose, and also serves as Managing Director and President of the Firm. He has represented numerous real estate developers in the development of all types of commercial and residential projects in Texas and other states. Rick has particular expertise in the development of master-planned residential communities and, among other projects, has been involved with the Coles Crossing, Silverlake, Sienna Plantation, First Colony, Fall Creek, Cross...

Susan McLerran’s practice encompasses a broad array of family law matters, with a focus on complex divorce proceedings involving marital property characterization, valuation and division, business valuation, taxation, issues related to retirement assets, stock options, restricted stock and employee benefits, and conservatorship, visitation and child support matters, pre-marital and post-marital agreements, and suits regarding modification and enforcement of court orders. Susan’s e...

Kami D'Olive is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Kami, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kami is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Sammy Ford IV has tried over 20 cases before judges, juries, and arbitrators in his career. He represents companies and individuals around the country in all manner of civil matters, including complex commercial litigation, business torts, securities class actions, and catastrophic personal injury cases. He is board certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Sammy’s favorite place is in the courtroom trying cases. In 2022, he successfully tried a ...

Russ has briefed and argued dozens of appeals, appearing before the Supreme Court of Texas, the Texas intermediate appellate courts, the Fifth and Federal Circuit Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States. He has assisted in or handled all phases of litigation in a wide variety of matters, including products liability, catastrophic personal injury, intellectual property, insurance coverage, employment discrimination, and commercial lawsuits. Before joining the firm, Russ s...

Jonathan began his education at Abilene Christian University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science, highest honors, from the Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Department in 2004. There he distinguished himself as a Jack Pope Fellow, student body president, SGA Treasurer and as a leader for a variety of other student organizations. He was also honored with the University Scholar Award, Trustee Award, Young American Award, and National Eagle Scout Scholarship. In addition, he was s...

Kenneth Held is an experienced trial attorney who focuses his practice on business litigation in state and federal courts, arbitration and regulatory enforcement matters, with a particular emphasis on securities litigation, energy litigation and class action defense. His clients range from individuals to publicly traded and privately held companies, as well as private equity firms and hedge funds. Mr. Held has significant experience in securities litigation and defending corporate and individ...