James L. "Jay" Cuclis
About James L. Cuclis
James L. Cuclis is a lawyer based in Houston, TX and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2001. James L. Cuclis is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Houston, Texas
- Corporate Law
- Energy Law
- Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Natural Resources Law
- Oil and Gas Law
- Houston, Texas
- Corporate Law
- Energy Law
- Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Natural Resources Law
- Oil and Gas Law
Current Firm: White & Case LLP
Education: The University of Texas, J.D., graduated 1981
Location: Houston, TX
Nearby Lawyers
Jim Marrow is an experienced trial lawyer and appellate specialist. He has developed cases and arbitration matters from beginning to end, including appeal. Jim has tried cases on both sides of the docket, winning judgments for plaintiffs and defendants, and has handled civil appeals and mandamus proceedings in state and federal courts. Jim has extensive appellate experience and has successfully obtained several appellate reversals and writs of mandamus for his clients. Jim also has particular...
Walter M. Berger is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Securities. Walter 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 Walter M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
John M. Ransom II is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Collaborative Law: Family Law and Trusts and Estates. John M., 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 John M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Raed Gonzalez is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Immigration Law. Raed, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Raed is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Alex J. Brown is the Managing Attorney of the Lanier Law Firm’s Commercial Litigation section. Alex represents companies and individuals in federal and state courts across the country at both the trial and appellate level, and in domestic and international arbitration forums. Before he became a plaintiff’s lawyer, Alex was a partner in the Houston office of one of the oldest and largest law firms in Texas. There, he represented multi-national corporations in complex business dispu...
Mike represents a variety of clients in commercial, insurance coverage, tort, environmental, and Qui Tam/False Claims Act matters at the state and federal levels. He has tried numerous cases to verdict and represented clients in venues across Texas and throughout the United States. Mike’s accomplishments as a trial lawyer have been recognized by his peers, who elected him as a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (“ABOTA”). ABOTA is comprised of trial lawyers repr...
Ms. Barger has experience in both trial and appellate matters. In private practice, she has assisted in or handled all phases of litigation for a wide variety of clients involved in insurance defense and coverage, products liability, premises liability, personal injury, and commercial lawsuits in state and federal court. While at the Fourteenth Court of Appeals, she researched legal and factual issues, made recommendations to the judges, and assisted the judges in drafting and editing opinion...
William B. Davis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law. William B., 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 William B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
W. James McAnelly III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Energy Law, Natural Resources Law and Oil and Gas Law. W. James, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which W. James is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Troy Ford is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Trusts and Estates. Troy, 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 Troy is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.