Jason S. Varnado

Michael Childs is a graduate of Texas A&M University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. He received his Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law, with a focus on civil litigation. Mr. Childs first came to the firm in 1996 as a law clerk and became an associate in November 1996. He has over fourteen years of extensive experience with complex family matters. As a litigator, his representation has included divorce, disputed property valuations and divisions of pro...

Timothy Lee is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. Timothy, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Timothy is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Meredith M. Bates is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law and Real Estate Law. Meredith M., who practices law in League City, Texas, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Meredith M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brian E. Simmons focuses on all facets of intellectual property law, including patent and trade secret litigation; patent counseling; due diligence investigations for investments, acquisitions, and divestitures; technology transfers, joint developments, and other research agreements; licenses; transactions involving IP; and risk consulting. Mr. Simmons has represented clients in a variety of matters in the chemical arts after serving as a senior research chemist prior to practicing law. His e...

Tracy C. Temple is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. Tracy C., 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 Tracy C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Andrew Calder is a partner in the Houston and Austin offices of Kirkland & Ellis LLP where he also serves as a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee. His practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, corporate and securities law, and corporate governance, with a particular focus on the energy sector. Andrew is recognized in Chambers Global, Chambers USA, America's Leading Lawyers for Business for Energy: Oil & Gas (Transactional) 2015–2022, Corporate/M&A 2016–...

Wills Collier is a Partner at Houston's Heim, Payne & Choursh, focusing on patent infringement litigation covering a wide range of technologies, including computer and electrical engineering, oil and gas technologies, and mechanical systems. With experience in all phases of district court litigation, Mr. Collier provides a technical and engineering background that helps him effectively communicate key issues to judges and juries. Mr. Collier began his career practicing patent litigation a...

Travis L. Huehlefeld is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Travis L., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Travis L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David Castro Jr. is a corporate partner in the Houston office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. David’s practice focuses on mergers & acquisitions and the formation of joint ventures involving energy assets across the value chain, including traditional and renewable energy sources. David has represented clients in connection with the purchase and sale of a broad range of assets, including upstream and midstream oil and gas assets and companies, processing and fractionation facilities and...

Eric C. Otness is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Eric C., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Eric C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.