Gerald J. "Gerry" Pels

Christopher Pappas is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law, Insurance Law, Litigation - Construction, Litigation - Insurance and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Christopher, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Barham Lewis, a shareholder at Ogletree Deakins, focuses his practice on employment-related litigation before state and federal courts and other civil litigation. Mr. Lewis has tried to jury verdict cases ranging from sexual assault/sexual harassment, retaliation/wrongful discharge claims to commercial disputes and wrongful death causes of action. He also represents companies in arbitrations including discharge/discipline cases and contract interpretation disputes. Mr. Lewis is board certifie...

Joseph E. Bain is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation - Bankruptcy. Joseph E., 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 Joseph E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

M. Imad Khan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Arbitration, International Arbitration - Commercial and International Arbitration - Governmental. M. Imad, 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 M. Imad is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

L. Kelly Frels is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Education Law and Government Relations Practice. L. Kelly, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2008. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which L. Kelly is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Carolyn Russell represents management in a variety of employment-related matters, including litigation involving age, disability, race and sex discrimination claims, covenants not to compete, trade secrets, wage and hour claims, ERISA claims, and other workplace torts. Her practice focuses on employment litigation and consultation and commercial litigation. She handles all varieties of employment disputes, including claims of discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wrongful termination and b...

Janet L. Rushing is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Janet L., who practices law in League City, Texas, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Janet L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Denis Ducran is the Co-Managing Partner of Peckar & Abramson’s Texas offices and co-vice chair of the firm’s Construction Contracts and Risk Management practice. He is a board-certified construction attorney and registered architect specializing in construction industry transactions, risk management, and dispute resolution. Denis works closely with contractors and others in the construction industry from the inception of projects, through the construction phase, and after comp...

Jason Waguespack serves as Managing Director of Galloway and focuses his practice on admiralty and maritime litigation. He regularly represents domestic and international insurers, vessel owners, and offshore service companies, handling a broad range of maritime, commercial, and insurance-related matters. Jason is also a trained mediator. More on Jason’s leadership and maritime experience: gallowaylawfirm.com

Co-founder of Houston-based Heim, Payne & Chorush, Les has helped build a nationally respected team of lawyers and has led litigation resulting in numerous 8- and 9- figure verdicts and settlements. As patent law has evolved with inter partes review validity challenges at the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board, Les has become particularly effective representing both patent owners and accused infringers in this rapidly changing landscape. Heim, Payne & Chorush staffs its litigation for...