David Merkley

William A. Wood III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation - Bankruptcy. William A., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Tyler D. Henkel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Construction. Tyler D., 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 Tyler D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Joe Gagnon is a partner in the Houston office. He is an experienced trial attorney who represents employers in litigation and arbitration filed in every region of Texas. Joe's broad experience includes the defense of a wide variety of discrimination and discharge claims brought under Title VII, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and whistleblower statutes. He routinely defends state law claims including workers' comp retaliation, breach of contract, fr...

David A. Brooks is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. David A., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Rodolfo Rueda Ballesteros is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Environmental Law and Natural Resources Law. Rodolfo, 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 Rodolfo is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael Childs is a graduate of Texas A&M University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. He received his Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law, with a focus on civil litigation. Mr. Childs first came to the firm in 1996 as a law clerk and became an associate in November 1996. He has over fourteen years of extensive experience with complex family matters. As a litigator, his representation has included divorce, disputed property valuations and divisions of pro...

Marcus Tucker's practice includes the investigation and defense of claims resulting from oilfield and maritime casualties, construction defects, personal injury and transportation related accidents. His practice also involves the litigation of commercial disputes through trial and arbitration. In addition, Marcus litigates and provides advice on contractual indemnity and insurance coverage issues on behalf of both corporate clients and insurance companies.

Francis R. Bradley III has a wide-ranging transactional practice that counsels clients primarily engaged in banking and finance (oil and gas, merger and acquisition, construction, international, structured and project), energy, oil and gas, natural resources, and corporate transactions. Frank was recognized by Chambers USA 2007-2018 for being "practical and commercially reasonable" and "is always careful to maintain the highest level of accuracy." Frank advises both commercial lenders and cor...

Wilburn Orea McDonald is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Wilburn Orea, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Wilburn Orea is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.