Jarad L. Kent

An accomplished trial lawyer, Darren Nicholson has been trying cases in state and federal courts for more than twenty years. After beginning his career at Arnold & Porter LLP in Washington D.C., one of the country’s premier law firms, he returned to Dallas in 2008 and became a partner at the nationally-recognized trial boutique Sayles Werbner PC. Darren joined Burns Charest LLP in 2019 with one goal in mind – to help build one of the premier trial firms in the country. Darren&...

Krista P. Hanvey is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. Krista P., 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 Krista P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Eduardo Espinosa is an experienced court-appointed fiduciary frequently recommended by regulators where dissipation of assets is a concern. A former enforcement lawyer with the U.S. Securities and ExchangeCommission (SEC), Eddy has served as either the receiver, receiver'scounsel, or trustee, in various federal and state proceedings in the life settlement sector, fraudulent securities offerings, EB-5 offerings, and commercial litigation. Eddy also advises clients on the legal and regulatory a...

Katrin U. Schatz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Katrin U., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Katrin U. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Marianne M. Auld is the managing partner of Kelly Hart and the chair of the firm’s Appellate section. She has briefed and argued dozens of appeals in both state and federal courts of appeals. Ms. Auld began her career as a law clerk on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Following her clerkship, she joined Kelly Hart as an associate in the firm’s litigation section, where she worked on a wide range of civil matters for clients including governmental entities ...

Mr. Agraz has experience helping a broad spectrum of clients with union, safety and health, and employment challenges. He represents clients in diverse industries during union organizing attempts and litigation before the NLRB. Additionally, he guides management through occupational safety and health compliance inspections and represents management exclusively in litigation before OSHA and other administrative agencies. He works with top company officials and first-line supervisory staff to b...

Matthew T. Taplett is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Matthew T., who practices law in Fort Worth, Texas, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Matthew T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jeff Whitfield represents businesses and individuals facing a wide variety of legal and policy challenges, including but not limited to contract disputes, election challenges, securities litigation, products and premises liability, international law issues, statutory construction, and questions of constitutionality. Prior to entering the legal profession, Mr. Whitfield attained the rank of Captain while serving as an active duty Air Force Officer. Following his military service, he worked his...

As the proud father of six and grandfather of five children, the traits that make Keith Nelson such an effective and empathetic family law attorney—including problem-solver, crisis manager, communicator, mediator, and peacemaker—come naturally. Keith uses these skills, honed over a 30-year career, to make a difference in clients’ lives, obtaining results that match their goals. Keith is responsive to his clients while guiding them through the legal process in an easy-to-unde...

Al Ellis, Of Counsel, is known in legal circles for his leadership and integrity in the practice of law, as well as his service to the community. At Sommerman, McCaffity, Quesada & Geisler, L.L.P., he focuses his practice on personal injury, products liability, dram shop, medical malpractice litigation and mediation/arbitration. Al vigorously advocates for his clients, having tried more than 175 jury trials. He is Board Certified in Personal Injury and Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board o...