Gerald J. "Gerry" Pels

Jack O'Neill has been trying large complex cases for over 45 years. His experience in the courtroom involves many cases that have been widely publicized. Mr. O’Neill was co-trial counsel for UPR, Inc. in its attempted takeover of Pennzoil. He was lead counsel for Mitchell Energy Corporation in the company’s effort to overturn a $204 million judgment rendered against the company in a case tried for the company by another law firm. On appeal, argued by Mr. O’Neill, the case wa...

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.

Ms. Schovajsa joined the Eastham firm in 1998 and became a partner in 2003. Her practice focuses on the firm’s major casualty, personal injury and appellate dockets. Ms. Schovajsa is an experienced advocate with substantial experience in both Texas state court and federal court. She guides her clients through every stage of the legal process, from pre-litigation incident investigation, risk analysis and case evaluation to motion practice, discovery, mediation and, if necessary, trial. T...

Andrew Calder is a partner in the Houston and Austin offices of Kirkland & Ellis LLP where he also serves as a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee. His practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, corporate and securities law, and corporate governance, with a particular focus on the energy sector. Andrew is recognized in Chambers Global, Chambers USA, America's Leading Lawyers for Business for Energy: Oil & Gas (Transactional) 2015–2022, Corporate/M&A 2016–...

Charles “Chuck” Jeremiah represents employers as trial counsel in litigation. With over 30 years of experience and a strong track record handling hundreds of matters, Chuck knows how to formulate early, efficient and effective strategies, and lead a team to achieve the best possible results for clients. His practice includes all aspects of employment law with an emphasis on overtime, discrimination and non-compete/trade secret defense matters. He has successfully handled both sing...

Roger D. Oppenheim is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Roger D., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Roger D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Board Certified -- Labor and Employment Law by Texas Board of Legal Specialization

A shareholder in the Firm’s Houston office, Mr. Mitchell's practice focuses primarily on employment-related litigation in federal and state court and representing clients before the various federal and state agencies charged with the enforcement of employment and labor laws. Mr. Mitchell also advises clients regarding various issues related to employee rights and benefits and employer obligations and policies. His practice also includes both creation and review of employment policies an...

Mark Lanier is consistently recognized as one of the top civil trial lawyers in America. Best known as a zealous advocate for individuals in personal injury and product liability claims against major corporations, Mark brings passion, creativity and an unparalleled ability to connect with juries in courtrooms across the nation. During the past 30 years, Mark has taken on some of the biggest challenges in the legal field. In doing so, he has achieved some of the largest verdicts in history, ac...