Darren Inoff

Co-founder of Houston-based Heim, Payne & Chorush, Les has helped build a nationally respected team of lawyers and has led litigation resulting in numerous 8- and 9- figure verdicts and settlements. As patent law has evolved with inter partes review validity challenges at the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board, Les has become particularly effective representing both patent owners and accused infringers in this rapidly changing landscape. Heim, Payne & Chorush staffs its litigation for...

John M. Ransom is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Tax Law. John M. practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized John M. Ransom since 2005. 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 John M. Ransom is held by other lawyers.

Allen H. Rustay is a partner at Hicks Thomas LLP and has over 20 years of experience in litigation in Texas State and Federal courts. He has extensive experience in commercial litigation including matters involving commercial disputes, energy, oil and gas, and maritime disputes on behalf of plaintiffs and defendants. He has also litigated theft of trade secrets, breaches of fiduciary duty, and business torts. Formerly affiliated with a large international law firm, Mr. Rustay has been with Hi...

Kent Hanszen is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Real Estate Law. Kent practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Kent Hanszen 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 Kent Hanszen is held by other lawyers.

Richard F. Whiteley is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Intellectual Property. Richard F. practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Richard F. Whiteley since 2024. 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 Richard F. Whiteley is held by other lawyers.

Bill Benitez is a partner in the Houston office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. His practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, equity investments, recapitalizations, joint ventures and corporate governance, with a particular emphasis on the energy and infrastructure sector. Clients have described Bill as a “great practitioner” who provides “incredible client service” in connection with his recognition in various industry publications, including Chambers Global, The Wor...

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...

Amanda Halter is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Environmental Law and Litigation - Environmental. Amanda practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Amanda Halter since 2022. 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 Amanda Halter is held by other lawyers.

Terry Bryant is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of P ersonal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs . Being board-certified in personal injury law, means his extensive knowledge of the law has also been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization . Terry, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem ...

Brian Kilpatrick is a Shareholder of Wilson Cribbs + Goren who assists clients with real estate, business, and bankruptcy litigation. He is currently the head of the firm’s litigation practice, as a seasoned litigator who handles a myriad of high-stakes real estate and business disputes. Brian’s background in real estate goes back much farther than his time with the firm. Both his father and brother are in the real estate business, and he worked as a commercial real estate broker ...