Diane St. Yves Brewer

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...

Tim Shelby focuses on complex commercial litigation and oil and gas-related litigation. When interviewed by Chambers USA, clients offered the following assessments: “Tim is an excellent trial lawyer;” “Tim has good common sense and comes up with great strategy, which always leads to good results;” and “Tim is excellent at what he does.” Tim is recognized by Best Lawyers in America for commercial litigation in Texas from 2015 – 2025. Tim is recognized ...

Mr. West is the Managing partner, of West Mermis PLLC. He is in his 30th year of practice handling cases all over the State of Texas. His practice includes complex commercial litigation, construction defect litigation, business litigation and worksite accidents. He is AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest rating in legal ability & ethical standards. This year he was again named both as a Super Lawyer and one of Texas’ Top Rated Lawyers. He was also named as a Best Law...

John D. Pitts is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law. John D., 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 John D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Tracy C. Temple is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. Tracy C., 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 Tracy C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David Merkley is a board-certified trial lawyer and Co-Chair of the firm’s litigation group and trial team. He is frequently retained in high-profile catastrophic accident cases to assume the defense or to navigate through complicated discovery issues leading to trial. He has tried dozens of cases to verdict and has been involved in several record-setting settlements for companies seeking to avoid the publicity of a jury trial. David is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates ...

Dan Cogdell is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group and a member of the corporate compliance and white collar defense team. He defends corporations and individuals in high-profile white collar criminal defense jury trials and related disputes. Dan has nearly 40 years of experience representing individuals and corporations in a broad range of high-profile, bet-the-company white collar and criminal defense matters. Dan is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, an invitation-on...

John is a Director in the Real Estate Section. His practice involves the representation of clients in matters related to real estate development, banking, corporate/partnership matters and special purpose districts used to finance development, including municipal utility districts, levee improvement districts, and tax increment financing districts. He has also represented clients in connection with negotiating Chapter 380 and Chapter 381 development agreements with both cities and counties in...

Christopher C. Wan is an attorney in the Houston office of Cokinos | Young. His practice focuses primarily on resolving complex commercial and industrial construction disputes through litigation and arbitration. Chris’s experience covers a variety of disputes involving refineries, chemical plants, pipelines, water treatment plants, high-rise condominiums, and university buildings, among other commercial and industrial projects. Chris graduated from the South Texas College of Law, where ...

Douglas C. Atnipp is the Texas Co-Regional Managing Shareholder, Co-Managing Shareholder of the Houston office and Co-Chair of the firm's national Energy and Natural Resources Practice. Doug has more than 25 years of experience representing clients engaged in all facets of the energy business. He is involved in a wide range of energy-related transactions including energy finance, joint ventures and strategic alliances, and acquisitions and dispositions of energy-related assets. In addition to...