James E. Payne

Board Certified in Construction Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Clayton C. Utkov has a practice which focuses on both the transactional and dispute resolution aspects of construction law. He represents general contractors, subcontractors, owners, developers and suppliers in all matters, from drafting and negotiating construction contracts to complex construction disputes, including contract disputes, performance and payment disputes, delay claims, design and construction defec...

Anthony J. Herrera is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law. Anthony J., 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 Anthony J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Eric M. Pfeifle is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law. Eric M., 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 Eric M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kennon Wooten is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice and Commercial Litigation. Kennon, who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kennon is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Tony Buzbee is a former Recon Marine officer. His mettle has been tested time and again through some of the most demanding training in the armed services and due to his involvement in some of the most intense Marine operations in various countries. Buzbee didn’t just survive or endure as a Marine officer, he excelled. In the Marine Corps, officers are taught to lead from the front, to do more with less, to work smart, to hit fast and exploit weaknesses, and to be creative. Tony Buzbee, ...

Seth R. Belzley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Seth R., who practices law in Denver, Colorado, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Seth R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

It has been said that helping others is its own reward, and Stewart Hoffer would definitely agree. Over the years, Stewart has found that one of the most rewarding aspects of being an attorney is seeing the positive impact his work has had on the people and companies he represents. Stewart knows that the outcome of a case affects real people. Sure, winning a case feels good, but for Stewart, the greatest satisfaction comes from knowing that his assistance can help his clients to focus on what...

Tina Ross concentrates her practice in the areas of commercial real estate, mortgage finance, construction law, and business law. She represents institutional lenders, investors, pension fund advisors, and developers regarding a variety of real estate matters including land acquisition and development, condominium development, construction financing, syndicated loan transactions, loan workouts and restructures and foreclosures, and bulk/portfolio sales and auctions of distressed assets. Altho...

Thomas Laughlin is one of the founding partners of the Dallas office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Thomas regularly represents clients in mergers and acquisitions (including controlling investments, preferred equity and other minority investments, and SPAC transactions), divestitures, joint ventures, debt and equity financings, restructurings and other corporate matters. Thomas has broad experience across many industries, but in particular, he has focused his practice representing clients in t...

R. Daniel Settle, Jr. has more than 40 years of experience in public finance, representing cities, counties, special districts, nonprofit corporations, investment bankers and other financial institutions in connection with structuring financings for a variety of projects including public infrastructure, economic development, affordable housing and health care. Mr. Settle is a member of the National Association of Bond Lawyers and the Texas Association of Bank Counsel.