J. Russell "Russ" Emerson

Todd W. Spake is the chair of Kelly Hart's Oil & Gas/Energy Practice Group and represents oil and gas operators and interest owners across the state in his broad-based energy practice. Mr. Spake's primary focus is on transactional matters, including the purchase and sale of oil and gas producing properties, farm-outs, joint development agreements, natural gas processing and sale agreements, seismic agreements, complex rural and urban oil and gas leases and surface use agreements, pipeline...

Kelly McClure is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Kelly practices law in Dallas, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Kelly McClure since 2027. 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 Kelly McClure is held by other lawyers.

For over two decades, Kirsten M. Castañeda has briefed and argued state and federal appeals and original proceedings that raise issues critical to businesses and industries across Texas and the nation. In pursuing appellate relief, she never loses sight of the fact that every appeal involves more than just the law. Learning a client’s business and ultimate goals allows Kirsten to craft legal arguments and strategy that serve not only the case at hand, but also the client’s ...

I was born and raised in Denton, Texas. After graduating from Denton High School, I attended Texas A&M University where I was a three-year Letterman tight end for the Texas A&M Football team and a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. My top memory from my playing days was playing in the upset victory over the number-one ranked Oklahoma Sooners in 2002. After graduating cum laude from Texas A&M in 2004 with a degree in Finance, I immediately went to law school at Baylor Un...

Sally Helppie is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television. Sally practices law in Dallas, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Sally Helppie 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 Sally Helppie is held by other lawyers.

Doug Rees has an extensive trial practice with an emphasis in construction law and insurance litigation matters. He represents clients before state and federal courts as well as in arbitration proceedings and before disciplinary and licensing boards and advises clients in all aspects of their business. Doug represents general contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, including architects and engineers, insurance carriers, businesses and individuals. He advises and defends clients in ...

Todd Shadle has more than 30 years of experience in labor and employment law. He is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, reflecting his depth of experience in the field. Todd advises employers on a wide range of workplace matters, including employment counseling, policy and handbook preparation, internal investigations, and administrative proceedings before state and federal agencies. When disputes cannot be resolved outside of litigation, he...

Dean Hinderliter focuses his practice on a wide range of tax matters, including all the tax aspects of corporate mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, private equity investments, public offerings, tax-free reorganizations, leveraged buyouts, the formation of joint ventures, and S corporation issues. His practice also concentrates on tax advisory work for partnerships, private equity funds, hedge funds, and limited liability companies in connection with ongoing operations, acquisitions, rest...

Ladd Hirsch is a solution-oriented trial attorney with more than 30 years of experience representing companies and high net worth business clients in complex litigation cases and arbitration matters. Ladd is tenacious and pragmatic in both the courtroom and boardroom in seeking results that meet his clients’ short and long-term business objectives. Ladd has extensive experience prosecuting and defending complex business litigation matters, including disputes involving claims for breach ...

Michael Reer is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Energy Law and Oil and Gas Law. Michael practices law in Plano, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Michael Reer since 2027. 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 Reer is held by other lawyers.