J. Michael Sutherland

When business owners, boards of directors and investment bankers are tasked with buying or selling a sophisticated business enterprise, they call David Washburn. And should a controversy arise following closing, clients seek David out to fully understand their options, mitigate losses and plan their next steps. Having been recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America since 2015 and as head of Katten's Corporate practice in Dallas, David is a true legal strategist who brings a passion for ...

Justin Presnal is a partner and seasoned trial and appellate lawyer with more than 30 years of experience representing plaintiffs in complex product liability, mass tort, and multi-district litigation (MDL). He brings a deep command of legal strategy, a passion for writing, and a national reputation for helping clients win high-stakes cases. Justin has served on leadership committees in some of the country’s largest MDLs, including litigation involving prescription opioids, defective hi...

Kenneth C. Johnston is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Banking and Finance Law, Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Bankruptcy. Kenneth C. practices law in Dallas, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Kenneth C. Johnston 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 Kenneth C. Johnston is held by other lawyers.

Scott Schardt’s practice is focused on a variety of regulatory matters affecting hospitals and healthcare providers, including Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute compliance, Medicare provider enrollment and reimbursement, 501(a) Physician Employment Organizations, HIPAA compliance, and healthcare facility and provider licensing. In addition, Scott actively represents healthcare providers as both purchasers and sellers in transactional matters, including mergers, acquisitions and joint ...

Mr. Biermacher, a director of the Firm, is the most senior member of the Litigation Section in the Dallas office. His general broad trial and appellate practice and experience representing clients on both sides of the docket not only encompass personal and bodily injury defense provided on behalf of insureds and self-insured entities arising out of catastrophic injury, wrongful death, toxic and mass tort, sick building, false arrest, rape, defamation and professional negligence claims, but al...

Mike Gruber's practice primarily involves business litigation defense, although he has also posted a number of very large verdicts, judgments and settlements. He is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and co-authored the two volume treatise “Texas Litigation Plans and Forms.” Mr. Gruber is active in a number of civic and professional organizations, and recently the Award of Excellence by the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers for his ser...

Rachael Smiley brings more than 15 years of legal experience to FBFK Law and currently serves as Chair of the firm’s Restructuring practice. She advises clients throughout the Chapter 11 reorganization process, including asset sales, plan confirmation, and post-confirmation plan administration. Rachael also has experience litigating bankruptcy-related disputes, including contested matters, adversary proceedings, valuation disputes, claim objections, and avoidance actions. Before joining...

Ryan Segall is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Ryan practices law in Dallas, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Ryan Segall since 2022. 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 Ryan Segall is held by other lawyers.

Raymond Turner is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. Raymond practices law in Dallas, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Raymond Turner since 2026. 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 Raymond Turner is held by other lawyers.

Michael D. Emerson is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Banking and Finance Law. Michael D. practices law in Dallas, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Michael D. Emerson since 2026. 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 Michael D. Emerson is held by other lawyers.