James E. Payne

Caj Boatright has made a habit of winning exceptional verdicts and settlements for his clients. In fact, in the last couple of years, it would be difficult to find another trial lawyer who has tried more cases to verdict and obtained more multimillion-dollar settlements even though Mr. Boatright has spent only five years of his 15-year legal career representing plaintiffs. His winning formula rests on his strong sense of justice and a belief that the American jury system is the best way to he...

Joseph Rovira is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Joseph, 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 Joseph is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Christopher M. LaVigne is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Christopher M., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2017. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Will’s practice focuses on commercial lending and financial transactions. He represents private equity funds, hedge funds and mezzanine funds, as well as corporate borrowers and investors, in connection with a wide variety of complex transactions, with a primary emphasis on: acquisition financings, first and second lien syndicated lending transactions with intercreditor relationships, structured financings with equity participations, complex restructurings, and financings and investment...

Whether it is a Chapter 11 case or an out-of-court restructuring, Chuck's deft handling of challenging and complex financial restructurings is rooted in his nearly 40 years of experience. Public and private companies in the oil and gas exploration, midstream pipeline, oilfield services, retail and real estate industries rely on him for resolutions that achieve their economic objectives. Chuck is known for his practical, innovative solutions to legal and business issues that arise in the restr...

Whitney L. Swift is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Energy Law, Environmental Law and Litigation - Environmental. Whitney L., who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Whitney L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kent Newsome serves as Chair of the firm's Houston Real Estate Practice. He has more than 25 years of experience that includes commercial real estate, real estate development, health care acquisitions and development, financing transactions, and general business law. Kent regularly represents owners and developers of commercial, retail and industrial properties in the acquisition, financing, development, leasing, management and sale of income producing properties, including office buildings, ...

Larry L. Martin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Larry L., who practices law in Addison, Texas, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Larry L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

William W. Ogden is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - First Amendment. William W., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 1991. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

James M. McNeel maintains a litigation practice exclusively in the areas of estates, trusts, contested guardianships, and other related litigation. Jim handles claims by and against estate administrators, trustees, beneficiaries, and closely held family businesses in all areas relating to estate, trust, guardianship, and tax-related litigation. Jim also represents clients in mortgage resolution matters, including mortgage related litigation and advises as to appropriate methods of limiting li...