Elizabeth Silbert

Biography His broad-based legal experience includes presiding as a municipal court judge of the City of Houston, a state district judge of both a Civil and Family District Courts, and served as assistant attorney general for the State of Texas and briefing clerk for the Honorable Judge Ingraham, Federal District Judge for the Southern District of Texas. He has extensive experience in civil trials and appeals involving complex litigation and family law cases. His mediation experience includes ...

Serving as Office Managing Partner of Akerman’s Houston office, Scott Marrs is a formidable trial lawyer litigating high profile matters in state and federal courts as well as arbitrations in the United States, South America, the Middle East, and Europe. Scott focuses on legal issues in virtually all aspects of the energy sector, including oil and gas exploration, production, transportation, storage, power, chemical, petrochemical, energy marketing, and well service. He also litigates i...

Kevin has tried nearly 40 cases to verdict in state and federal courts and arbitration proceedings throughout Texas and across the country over the last 30 years – including successfully defending cases involving individuals and companies that sought hundreds of millions in personal injury and commercial damages and defeating class action claims that sought billions in damages. Kevin has obtained seven, eight and nine figure verdicts and arbitration awards. And he has recovered over $1 ...

James Richards is a trusted and experienced advocate and advisor for his clients with a focus on construction law and commercial litigation. James is Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Construction Law and was selected to the Texas Rising Stars list in 2018, 2019, and 2020. James is also a Member in the State Bar College, serves as a Texas Bar Foundation Fellow, and was named to the Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch list for 2021. James has represented individu...

Barry is a Director in the Construction and Surety section of Coats Rose in the Houston office. Barry’s practice includes representation of owners, sureties, general contractors and subcontractors in construction litigation, arbitration, construction arbitration, document preparation, investigation and administration of construction contracts and contract defaults, as well as general commercial litigation. Barry has been involved in the mediation, arbitration and trial of numerous matte...

With nearly 30 years of experience, Terry D. Kernell assists clients in complex commercial litigation, although he often lends his experience and expertise in probate litigation and personal injury matters. Mr. Kernell has handled cases in federal and state courts as well as domestic and international arbitrations. His experience includes business contracts and torts, trade secrets, antitrust, and qui tam claims under the federal False Claims Act. He has served as lead counsel for individuals...

Mark Lanier is recognized as one of the top civil trial lawyers in America. He has earned that standing one jury at a time, representing people harmed by the most powerful companies in the world and turning complex scientific evidence and corporate record-keeping into a clear, relatable story that jurors understand and believe. Over more than 35 years, Mark has taken on some of the most difficult legal challenges and won some of the largest verdicts in U.S. history. His cases have confronted ...

Amy Karff Halevy is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Amy Karff practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Amy Karff Halevy since 2003. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Amy Karff Halevy is held by other lawyers.

Francis D. McWilliams IV is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Construction Law. Francis D. practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Francis D. McWilliams IV since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Francis D. McWilliams IV is held by other lawyers.

Kelley Edwards is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Employment Law - Management. Kelley practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Kelley Edwards since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Kelley Edwards is held by other lawyers.