James L. "Jim" Pledger

Margaret J. Sampson, PhD, focuses her practice on global, strategic intellectual property transactions and patent counseling surrounding the areas of life sciences, pharmaceuticals, research tools and medical devices. Life sciences and technology clients turn to her for evaluating, structuring, negotiating and documenting major transactions. Read full biography: https://www.mwe.com/people/margaret-j-sampson-phd/

Casey is a trial lawyer who represents both Plaintiffs and Defendants in a wide variety of commercial disputes. He has led teams of lawyers representing international and domestic clients in securities fraud and structured finance litigation. He represents owners of closely and family held businesses in disputes over ownership and control. Much of his litigation experience has been tied to various aspects of the commericial real estate industry. He has extensive experience in complex construc...

Stephen Butler is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law. Stephen, 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 Stephen is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jason LaFond is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative / Regulatory Law, Appellate Practice and Commercial Litigation. Jason, who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jason is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

For more than 25 years, Shannon Vale has specialized in trademark and copyright law, intellectual property transactions and due diligence, and right of publicity law. Prior to joining Pirkey Barber, Shannon was a Trademark partner in the Austin office of Fulbright & Jaworski and a shareholder in Arnold, White & Durkee. Shannon also spent five years as the head of personal management firms that directed the careers of major label and major independent label recording artists based in t...

Robert F. Loughran is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Immigration Law. Robert F., who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2008. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robert F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Melanie Plowman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. Melanie, who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Melanie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kevin Reed has practiced health law for over 30 years and is Board Certified in both Health Law and Administrative Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Mr. Reed primarily assists hospitals and health care systems with regulatory and compliance issues, complex transactional issues, the creation of hospital districts, financing and construction of new facilities, the formation of non-profit organizations, and medical staff peer review matters. He has served as General Counsel for the...

Brian O'Toole is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. Brian, who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brian is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Sara M. Burgin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Environmental Law, Litigation - Environmental and Water Law. Sara M., who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 1997. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sara M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.