Edward F. "Ed" Fernandes

Steven Highlander’s practice focuses on portfolio management for universities, non-profits and small to mid-sized corporate clients. Preparation and filing of patent applications, as well as prosecution of these cases, makes up the bulk of his docket. He also has considerable opinion experience for patentability, validity, infringement and inventorship disputes. Dr. Highlander has also been involved in over 20 interference proceedings, including several garnering Federal Circuit review....

Louise M. Joy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law. Louise M., who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Louise M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John W. Thomas is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. John W., who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

Keith Maples has represented individuals and families in family law matters for more than 30 years. Based in Austin, Texas, Keith practices with Noelke Maples St. Leger Bryant LLP, where his work centers on complex divorce and family law cases. His experience includes matters involving significant property divisions, business valuations, tracing of separate property, trusts, and custody and parenting issues, including cases involving children with special needs. In addition to litigation, Kei...

Candice B. Deyerle is a founding partner of Deyerle Silva Smith, PLLC, and is board-certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. With a specialization in handling particularly complex family law issues, she offers expertise in cases involving divorce with businesses involved, multi-million dollar estates, privacy or publicity concerns, contested custody matters, and children or parties with disabilities and/or special needs. Candice also addresses difficult issues such ...

P. Clark Aspy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Insurance. P. Clark, who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which P. Clark is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bill Barber has devoted his legal career to the field of trademark law, focusing primarily on trademark litigation and policing, handling cases in federal courts across the U.S. and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Experienced in all aspects of litigation, including jury and bench trials as well as appeals, Bill also handles domain name disputes through ICANN’s domain name dispute resolution policies. He regularly assists clients with a wide range of trademark needs, includi...

Anna Conyers Kuhn is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trademark Law. Anna Conyers, who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Anna Conyers is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bill Daniel represents major financial services companies in commercial and consumer finance matters, and chairs the firm’s Financial Services Practice Group. He has extensive experience representing financial services companies in virtually every phase of their operations including litigation, regulatory, compliance, workouts, transactions and bankruptcy. Bill speaks to industry and bar groups on Texas financing law. Bill was named Lawyer of the Year for Financial Services Regulation L...