Donald Verplancken

Shawn Bates has more than 22 years of practice in commercial litigation in the energy industry and across numerous other industries. He is a seasoned first-chair trial lawyer, handling cases worth tens of millions. He has conducted hundreds of depositions and supervised trial teams on matters of varying size. He focuses his practice on litigation and arbitration of complex disputes for clients in the energy sector (oil and gas companies, oilfield supply and support companies, pipeline builder...

With over 20 years of litigation experience, David Jones leads the firm's Class Action/Multidistrict Litigation and Insurance Coverage practices. Handling cases for both plaintiffs and defendants, David views each dispute from every angle. Whether it is high stakes litigation for a Fortune 500 company or a claim involving individuals, David identifies the key issues and presents them in a simple story for the court or jury. His practice includes experience as lead counsel in cases involving c...

Harvey Brown joined The Lanier Law Firm in 2019 following distinguished service as a District Judge in Harris County and as a Justice on the First Court of Appeals for the State of Texas. Judge Brown is selected to the list of Best Lawyers in America in the areas of Appellate Law and Commercial Litigation. Before his judicial service he was in private practice for more than 20 years, handling both trials and appeals. Judge Brown served on the First Court of Appeals bench from 2010-2018. Durin...

Robert J. Carty, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Robert J., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robert J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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 ...

Sandra I. Dorsthorst is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Immigration Law. Sandra I., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sandra I. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Franklin D.R. Jones, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Public Finance Law. Franklin D.R., 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 Franklin D.R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

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...

Brittany Sakowitz is a corporate partner in the Houston and Austin offices of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, concentrating her practice on mergers and acquisitions and private equity. Brittany advises private equity and venture capital investors, their portfolio companies, and other public and private companies across a broad range of industries, including infrastructure, energy and energy-related services, renewables, technology and digital infrastructure. She primarily counsels clients on public...