Jeffrey M. "Jeff" Smith

With over two decades of experience as a litigator, Chris Hanslik’s practice has spanned the full spectrum of commercial and business litigation, including contracts, business torts, securities and corporate governance, oil and gas, lender liability, trade secrets, non-compete agreements and other employment-related disputes. Recognizing that the last place most business clients want to be is in the courtroom, Chris strives to develop creative, practical, and value-driven solutions to c...

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...

Michael Piazza is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Corporate Law, Energy Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Oil and Gas Law. Michael practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Michael Piazza since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Michael Piazza is ...

Jack O'Neill has been trying large complex cases for over 45 years. His experience in the courtroom involves many cases that have been widely publicized. Mr. O’Neill was co-trial counsel for UPR, Inc. in its attempted takeover of Pennzoil. He was lead counsel for Mitchell Energy Corporation in the company’s effort to overturn a $204 million judgment rendered against the company in a case tried for the company by another law firm. On appeal, argued by Mr. O’Neill, the case wa...

Charles C. Foster is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Immigration Law. Charles C. practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Charles C. Foster since 1991. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Charles C. Foster is held by other lawyers.

A commercial trial attorney with a focus on energy, corporate fiduciary and securities, and construction litigation, Jason Williams has significant first-chair trial and arbitration experience and has argued as lead counsel before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Working as a mechanical engineer prior to attending The University of Houston Law Center, he gained unique insights that have help to make him invaluable to his clients facing technology-related disputes. His construc...

Craig E. Power is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Bankruptcy. Craig E. practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Craig E. Power since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Craig E. P...

L. Kelly Frels is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Education Law and Government Relations Practice. L. Kelly practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized L. Kelly Frels since 2008. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which L. Kelly Frels is held by other lawyers.

D. Ferguson McNiel III is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. D. Ferguson practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized D. Ferguson McNiel III since 2005. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which D. Ferguson McNiel III is held by other lawyers.

Cindy Matherne Muller is a partner in the Maritime Practice Group and head of the firm’s Houston office. She represents a broad range of companies, from large multinational EPC contractors to private equity portfolio companies, doing business in the energy, maritime, and construction industries, on capital projects and commercial and restructuring transactions, and compliance functions. Cindy participates in the Construction, Energy, Environmental & Natural Resources, and Maritime i...