David L. Villarreal

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...

Bill Boyar is a founding Shareholder of BoyarMiller, a Houston, Texas-based law firm. Bill’s practice focuses on representing the various parties involved in the acquisition, disposition, capitalization and financing of assets and businesses on a national and international level. He has served as lead counsel on numerous complex, multi-party acquisitions and project financings, with significant experience in corporate finance, healthcare, private equity, mergers and acquisitions, real e...

C. Brannon Robertson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. C. Brannon, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which C. Brannon is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

Andrew Gould leads the appellate practice at Hicks Johnson PLLC, a litigation boutique with offices in Houston and Chicago. An award-winning former federal appellate prosecutor, Andrew regularly advocates in state and federal appellate courts nationwide. He has served as lead counsel in some 270 appeals and has conducted over 40 oral arguments, including over 25 before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He also often appears at the trial-court level to assist with complex motion...

Nicholas Earles is a partner in SBSB’s Houston office and has been a knowledgeable resource in the maritime space for more than 20 years. While his practice focuses in admiralty, his experience also extends to general and premises liability, workers’ compensation, subrogation and transportation. Additionally, he has navigated difficult cases for energy companies and overseas defense contractors covered by the Defense Base Act. A member of SBSB’s original roster in February 2...

Linda Broocks is a trial and appellate lawyer at Kean Miller in Houston, Texas, where she focuses her practice on commercial litigation and related disputes. Her work includes complex commercial matters, securities disputes, toxic tort and premises liability claims, real estate controversies, employment-related lawsuits, and serious personal injury claims. She also advises clients on securities regulatory matters and represents individuals and businesses before administrative bodies, includin...

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.

John Schwambach focuses his practice on the trial and appeal of complex commercial disputes. Mr. Schwambach handles complex civil matters in both state and federal courts. He has briefed and argued many appeals and original proceedings in mandamus before Texas appellate courts, including the Texas Supreme Court and the First, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Thirteenth, and Fourteenth Courts of Appeals. Mr. Schwambach has also briefed and argued numerous pre-trial motions in...

William Boyce is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. William, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.