James E. "Jim" Smith

John W. Meyer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Immigration Law. John W., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Benjamin P. Miller is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Benjamin P., 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 Benjamin P. 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...

Kelly Beaudry is Board Certified in Commercial Real Estate by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She started her career working in public relations in New York and Austin. Kelly received her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Texas and went to law school at the University of Houston Law Center, where she concentrated her studies on real estate, corporate and probate law. After law school, she practiced law at Brackett & Ellis, P.C., in Fort Worth, Texas, where she continue...

James M. Hall, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants. James M., 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 James M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David Cole is a tax partner in the Houston office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. David focuses his practice on tax disputes with trial experience in both federal and state courts. The tax matters David has litigated include disputes with taxing authorities and between private parties. The clients David represents include large and small partnerships, public and private partnerships, corporations, and high net worth individuals. His clients operate across an array of industries, including privat...

For over 22 years, Marrick Armstrong has practiced personal injury, commercial dispute, and labor and employment law. He has represented clients proceeding as defendants and plaintiffs. His clients have been individuals, small and family-owned businesses, large publicly traded companies, multi-national corporations and governmental agencies. Marrick has extensive experience in claims, litigation, arbitrations, mediations, and trying cases to bench awards and jury verdicts in federal and state...

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

Bradley W. Rapp is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships). Bradley W., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Bradley W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Shari L. Heyen has experience in complex bankruptcy, restructuring, insolvency and complex commercial litigation matters. She is a Certified Public Accountant and has represented numerous creditors' committees, debtors, bank groups, acquirers and other significant constituencies in national Chapter 11 cases and workout proceedings, including complex oil, gas and energy cases. Shari has broad experience in the prosecution and defense of fiduciary litigation, foreclosures, real estate, oil and ...