J. Hoke Peacock II

Andrea Fair wanted to get out of the city and into the courtroom in 2016, after several years of practice at a major Houston-based law firm. Moving to Ward, Smith & Hill was the perfect opportunity to advance her professional career and achieve an enhanced work-life balance for her family. With a focus on intellectual property litigation, Andrea thrives in developing trial strategies and presentations that assemble the facts to tell a story that properly reflects the importance of each ca...

Paul J. Goldenberg is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. Paul J., 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 Paul J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stephen Barrick began his career more than 20 years ago as a law clerk in Houston, Texas, where he worked at the federal district court. He later joined international firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, where he practiced trial and appellate law. Since 2008, Mr. Barrick has made his home at Hick Thomas LLP, where he focuses on business litigation and appeals. Mr. Barrick is Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He has earned selection to Texas...

Barbara B. Ferguson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Barbara B., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Barbara B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Steve’s civil litigation practice includes insurance defense, personal injury, product liability, and commercial litigation. He has represented clients throughout Texas and has handled a large volume caseload. Steve has gained extensive jury trial experience; having participated in over thirty jury trials and serving as lead trial counsel in over twenty jury trials. Many of Steve’s trials involved major injuries, multiple fatalities, and large exposure damages. In addition, Steve ...

Charlene Koonce is a seasoned trial and appellate attorney who prosecutes and defends commercial disputes on behalf of large and small clients. Ms. Koonce has obtained favorable results through bench and jury trials, summary judgment, and settlement in cases involving complex contract disputes, unfair business practices, and securities fraud. Additionally, she has secured success in matters regarding professional liability and fiduciary duties, breach of warranty, the TCPA, fraud, and fraudul...

Juliet McBride is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law. Juliet, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Juliet is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

2020 Dallas Bar Association President Robert Tobey knows where all the bodies are buried. He is a master at preparing and handling cases for trial, arbitration, or settlement. Robert litigates cases himself and as part of the Johnston Tobey Baruch trial team. “Robert’s attention to detail is phenomenal,” says firm co-founder Randy Johnston. “He can tell you exactly how to keep yourself out of trouble.” Robert is Board Certified in Consumer and Commercial Law by t...

Houston divorce attorney John “Bo” Nichols has been practicing family law for more than twenty years. A native of Houston, Nichols is a regular selectee to the Best Lawyers in America list, holding that honor since 2009. Additionally, Nichols has been a Texas Super Lawyer honoree for more than ten years. Devoted to the practice of family law, including divorce, child custody and property division, Nichols is regarded as one of the foremost trial specialists by his peers. Nichols h...

M&A attorney with 49+ years of experience counseling clients in buying, selling, merging and dividing businesses, business taxation, and business planning. Practice includes structuring, negotiating, managing and documenting all types of mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, leveraged buyouts, management buyouts, family business planning, tax-free reorganizations, corporate divisions, acquisitions and dispositions involving ESOPs, private equity transactions, partnership and limited liabil...