J.D. Swancoat II

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

Russell W. Budd, a mainstay of the plaintiff’s bar with more than forty-five years’ experience representing victims of corporate wrongdoing, has been a trailblazer for the entirety of his career. Serving as a Baron & Budd shareholder since 1985 and president and managing shareholder since 2002, Mr. Budd presides over one of the nation’s largest plaintiffs’ firms. Founded in 1977, Baron & Budd has nearly 200 full-time employees and is headquartered in Dallas, Te...

Kevin has been in practice for 34 years. He joined Cooper & Scully in 2018 as the managing shareholder for their newly created Austin office after concluding 20 years as a founding shareholder of Uzick & Oncken. He has tried to jury verdict, more than 100 cases across Texas. Kevin has often been asked to step into cases outside of Texas via Pro Hac Vice. While the majority of his practice has focused on the defense of medical negligence cases, Kevin has also successfully represented p...

Danielle Senn Sessions is an experienced, board-certified construction attorney and the founder of Senn Sessions, PLLC. She serves clients' needs relating to commercial construction contracts and early dispute resolution, commercial real estate transactions, general business advising and legal training. Mrs. Sessions has represented contractors, developers, owners and specialty contractors for over fifteen years and has served in roles as both outside and in-house counsel. Her breadth of know...

Scott Deatherage has practiced law for over 30 years in the areas of environmental, energy, water law, and business law. After spending 28 years at large law firms, he formed his own law firm. In energy, he represents developers and investors in solar, wind, other renewable energy, and energy storage projects. His environmental practice includes the representation of landowners, real estate developers, banks, and private equity firms in dealing with soil and groundwater contamination. Scott g...

Gary L. Nickelson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Gary L., who practices law in Fort Worth, Texas, has been recognized since 1995. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gary L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Sam Acker is a business litigator. Sam represents clients in state and federal courts in matters involving fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, partnership and corporate governance disputes, and other business torts. His experience spans several industries and market segments, including real estate, life sciences, oil and gas, construction, and products liability. A substantial portion of Sam’s practice has also been dedicated to representing broker-dealers and registere...

Tricia R. DeLeon is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Banking and Finance. Tricia R., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Tricia R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Julie K. Blankenship is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Julie K., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Julie K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Thomas A. Greenwald is a Board Certified Family Law attorney by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and co-managing partner at Goranson Bain Ausley. With more than 30 years of experience, he focuses his practice on complex divorce and custody matters for professionals, executives, business owners, and their spouses throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Tom is recognized for bringing judgment, financial discipline, and long-term thinking to high-stakes family law cases. He regularly...