Joe Virene

Cory Itkin has established a reputation as one of the most aggressive and prepared trial lawyers in the country. His experience includes maritime accidents, trucking accidents, plant explosions, and other high-stakes personal injury cases. Mr. Itkin has won verdicts and settlements for clients in more than two dozen states. He also obtained favorable results in the high-profile litigation involving families who lost loved ones or workers who were injured in the BP Deepwater Horizon explosion ...

Michael P. Ridulfo is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation - Bankruptcy. Michael P. practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Michael P. Ridulfo since 2021. 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 P. Ridulfo is h...

K. B. Battaglini has for more than 3 decades counseled and represented businesses and individuals. He is listed in Best Lawyers in America© (by Levine Leichtman Capital Partners), has expertise in energy, environmental, natural resources, media and entertainment law, and has significant first chair experience in trials, appeals, arbitrations and mediations. He is on the national panel of arbitrators for the American Arbitration Association and FINRA. Prior to joining Strong Pipkin, he wa...

For over 30 years, Chris has concentrated his practice in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, board and special committee advisory matters, joint ventures and strategic relationships and representation of management groups. Learn more about their practice.

Shawn O’Brien is nationally recognized by his peers and clients as a leading tax practitioner with a focus on tax disputes and controversies involving state, federal and international tax authorities. Drawing on his 25 years of experience, Shawn represents clients in tax examinations and administrative appeals and, when necessary, serves as a forceful advocate in litigation before the US Tax Court, US district courts, the US Court of Federal Claims, state courts and federal appellate co...

Marcus Spagnoletti is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Admiralty and Maritime Law. Marcus practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Marcus Spagnoletti since 2027. 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 Marcus Spagnoletti is held by other lawyers.

Cameron Pope is a seasoned appellate specialist and Partner at Hicks Thomas LLP. After beginning his legal career as a federal law clerk, he spent over two decades in the appellate litigation group of a global law firm before joining Hicks Thomas in 2024. Mr. Pope represents clients in high-stakes appeals across a wide array of industries, including healthcare, energy, employment benefits, and toxic torts. His appellate experience is both broad and deep, and he has consistently secured favora...

Bryan A. Phillips is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Trusts and Estates. Bryan A. practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Bryan A. Phillips since 2025. 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 Bryan A. Phillips is held by other lawyers.

Joe Gagnon is a partner in the Houston office. He is an experienced trial attorney who represents employers in litigation and arbitration filed in every region of Texas. Joe's broad experience includes the defense of a wide variety of discrimination and discharge claims brought under Title VII, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and whistleblower statutes. He routinely defends state law claims including workers' comp retaliation, breach of contract, fr...

Elizabeth M. Kroger is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Elizabeth M. practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Elizabeth M. Kroger 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 Elizabeth M. Kroger is held by ...