Jessica Straley

A highly respected attorney who was named Lawyer of the Year in Family Law, Dallas/Ft. Worth by The Best Lawyers in America 2016, Diana S. Friedman has joined her family law practice with that of GoransonBain Ausley’s. Diana shares the core values of GoransonBain Ausley in helping clients make the difficult transition through family law problems in the best way possible. Diana recognizes that divorce and other family law issues are very personal experiences, so she strives to build comf...

Phillip W. McCrury is the chair of the firm’s Estate, Trust, Probate, and Asset Protection section. He assists individuals, families, and family offices with all varieties of estate planning, generational wealth transfer strategies, trusts, life insurance strategies, and asset protection planning. In addition, he is involved in probate matters throughout Texas, including contested probate matters. Mr. McCrury is an active member of a number of bar sections involving estate and probate m...

James B. Harris is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Environmental Law and Litigation - Environmental. James B., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 1989. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Angel Berbarie is a Board Certified family law attorney with over 20 years of experience handling complex divorce and child custody matters. She represents executives, business owners, and working parents in high-asset divorce cases, complex property division, and customized custody and support arrangements. Angel focuses on providing clear, practical advice to help clients make informed decisions during periods of significant transition. Her practice includes negotiated divorce, litigation, ...

Kevin Schutte is a partner in the firm’s Dallas office. Mr. Schutte’s practice focuses on general commercial and business litigation at both the trial and appellate court levels, as well as arbitrations and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. In his general commercial litigation practice, Mr. Schutte represents clients in disputes involving breach of contract, fraud, securities fraud, misappropriation of trade secrets, unfair competition, real estate, healthcare, tradem...

Andrew Payne graduated at the top of his class in law school and started his career working for a prestigious international firm representing large insurers and corporations. But it did not take long for Andy to realize that he wanted to help people who had suffered harm through no fault of their own, not protect negligent corporations whose actions harmed people. Andy’s passion for handling significant personal injury cases stems from this desire to help people who truly need justice. ...

Jason Krieser advises clients on all aspects of technology transactions, outsourcing matters, telecommunications and other complex commercial contracts. He is an internationally recognized advisor on business process and information technology outsourcing matters, including offshore outsourcing. He also handles technology development and licensing matters, joint ventures, key supply and distribution agreements, manufacturing arrangements, strategic alliances, ecommerce matters and other techn...

Scott Thomas is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar and Litigation - Securities. Scott, who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Scott 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...

Clients appreciate Don Hammett’s service-oriented and practical approach as he delivers results on all their REIT and real estate fund matters. Don is co-leader of Alston & Bird’s REITs & Real Estate Funds Team. He has over 25 years of experience advising public and private clients on corporate and tax/structure issues related to the formation and financing of REITs, partnerships, funds, and other pooled capital vehicles. He also counsels clients on mergers and acquisition...