Jay Ethington

Kate Smith earned her J.D. from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law and later earned her LL.M. from Pepperdine University School of Law. She is skilled in representing a variety of complex legal issues, including planning and zoning, family law, contract disputes, corporate formation, and more. Kate has also received several honors and has been consistently recognized by Super Lawyer Fort Worth Texas Magazine since 2007. In 2014 and 2015, Kate was also nominated as a Texas Super Lawyer &l...

Victor’s experience ranges from patent litigation, unfair competition, contract disputes, fraud and tortious interference cases, to trade secret and non-compete litigation, real estate disputes, products liability and consumer fraud matters. He has resolved claims involving high net worth family and probate litigation, fiduciary litigation, qui tam cases and partnership and other business-entity litigation. In addition, he has defended clients accused of white collar crimes, such as wir...

J. Todd Kale , a shareholder in the Dallas offices of Baron & Budd, has dedicated his career to fighting the companies that knowingly exposed people to the deadly carcinogen known as asbestos. He enjoys partnering with patients and families to help them navigate the legal process during the most difficult time in their lives. Mr. Kale works on the front lines with the firm’s Asbestos Litigation Team. He meets with mesothelioma patients and their families across the country to gather...

Kris is board certified in the area of Family Law and Child Welfare by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Kris earned her law degree at St. Mary's University School of Law in San Antonio after completing her Bachelor of Business Administration at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She continued her education by earning a Master of Business Administration at St. Mary's University School of Business. Kris has four children and lives in Dallas with her husband. Kris is a credentialed...

Benjamin D. Halpern is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships). Benjamin D., who practices law in Plano, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Benjamin D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Eva W. Turner is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Eva W., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Eva W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Patrick (“Pat”) Mulry handles a broad array of matters involving construction defect litigation and arbitration. His clients include owners, architects, suppliers, and contractors throughout the State of Texas. Pat specializes in high-stakes construction defect cases with complex questions of liability, typically involving multiple parties and deeply interwoven issues of causality and responsibility. Clients appreciate Pat’s deep understanding of construction law and the rel...

Greg Harwell represents large general contractors, national homebuilders, and specialty contractors in negotiating construction contracts and litigating and arbitrating construction disputes. Greg is adept at navigating the complex and sometimes confusing world of bond claims and mechanic’s liens, having authored a chapter on the mechanic’s lien laws of Texas at www.lienlawonline.com. He has held numerous offices with the Dallas Bar Association’s Construction Law Section, in...

Kelly Hartmann focuses on resolving client issues through innovative, cost-effective strategies that align with business goals—balancing aggressive litigation with practical resolution. He represents energy, maritime, and construction firms, their underwriters, and insurers, and handles complex litigation including wrongful death, Jones Act, drilling operations, health care, and trucking liability cases. Kelly also advises clients on contracts and commercial documents, including master ...

Recognizing that divorce is a difficult time and often involves the division of an estate, Thomas Goranson applies a keen understanding to marital assets and how they can be valued and divided to achieve maximum benefit to the client. Befitting the founder of the firm, Tom also brings a certain stature to his cases that supports the client’s goals in the proceedings. With an eye toward preserving assets rather than destroying them, Tom offers clients a thorough analysis and creative but...