Darlene Payne Smith

J. Beverly is a board-certified civil appellate attorney with decades of experience representing businesses, investors, property owners, contractors, and individuals in complex litigation and appellate matters. His practice spans commercial disputes, construction and real estate litigation, environmental contamination claims, insurance coverage disputes, partnership conflicts, securities and investor claims, probate matters, and oil and gas litigation. He has represented both plaintiffs and d...

Kent Hanszen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Real Estate Law. Kent, 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 Kent is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael A. Orlando, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Admiralty and Maritime Law. Michael A., 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 Michael A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

A sixth-generation Texan and the first lawyer in his family, James Amaro founded Amaro Law Firm in 2005 with a clear purpose: to stand up for those who've been wronged when it matters most. Shortly after founding the firm, James was called to represent individuals and families devastated by the BP refinery explosion in Texas City, Texas. It was a defining moment—one that reinforced his belief that justice isn't about easy wins. Since then, James has successfully represented thousands of...

Shawn O’Brien is nationally recognized by his peers and clients as a leading tax practitioner with a focus on tax disputes and controversies involving state, federal and international tax authorities. Drawing on his 25 years of experience, Shawn represents clients in tax examinations and administrative appeals and, when necessary, serves as a forceful advocate in litigation before the US Tax Court, US district courts, the US Court of Federal Claims, state courts and federal appellate co...

Founded by Andrew Sher, The Sher Law Firm, PLLC has the strength gained from more than 27 years experience, knowledge and determination in protecting people, families and our environment. Andrew Sher was rated “AV Preeminent” demonstrating the highest level of ethical standards and legal ability through Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ — and Sher has the results to back it up. Sher has secured substantial multi-million dollar recoveries while fighting for v...

Kristen McDanald is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. Kristen, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kristen is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Carolyn Russell represents management in a variety of employment-related matters, including litigation involving age, disability, race and sex discrimination claims, covenants not to compete, trade secrets, wage and hour claims, ERISA claims, and other workplace torts. Her practice focuses on employment litigation and consultation and commercial litigation. She handles all varieties of employment disputes, including claims of discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wrongful termination and b...

Andrew Calder is a partner in the Houston and Austin offices of Kirkland & Ellis LLP where he also serves as a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee. His practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, corporate and securities law, and corporate governance, with a particular focus on the energy sector. Andrew is recognized in Chambers Global, Chambers USA, America's Leading Lawyers for Business for Energy: Oil & Gas (Transactional) 2015–2022, Corporate/M&A 2016–...