Joelle Nelson

Julie Barry is Board Certified in Commercial Real Estate by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and practices extensively in the area of transaction law, focusing primarily on the representation of small and midsized enterprises. Her practice includes representation of purchasers and sellers in the acquisition and disposition of businesses and real estate, lenders and borrowers in connection with commercial and real estate loans, and landlords and tenants in connection with leasing matters.

Wilburn Orea McDonald is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Wilburn Orea, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Wilburn Orea is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bill Benitez is a partner in the Houston office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. His practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, equity investments, recapitalizations, joint ventures and corporate governance, with a particular emphasis on the energy and infrastructure sector. Clients have described Bill as a “great practitioner” who provides “incredible client service” in connection with his recognition in various industry publications, including Chambers Global, The Wor...

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

Francis R. Bradley III has a wide-ranging transactional practice that counsels clients primarily engaged in banking and finance (oil and gas, merger and acquisition, construction, international, structured and project), energy, oil and gas, natural resources, and corporate transactions. Frank was recognized by Chambers USA 2007-2018 for being "practical and commercially reasonable" and "is always careful to maintain the highest level of accuracy." Frank advises both commercial lenders and cor...

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...

Jim Hart is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Jim, 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 Jim is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Travis Hopper is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Travis, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Travis is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Franklin D.R. Jones, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Public Finance Law. Franklin D.R., 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 Franklin D.R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Houston divorce attorney John “Bo” Nichols has been practicing family law for more than twenty years. A native of Houston, Nichols is a regular selectee to the Best Lawyers in America list, holding that honor since 2009. Additionally, Nichols has been a Texas Super Lawyer honoree for more than ten years. Devoted to the practice of family law, including divorce, child custody and property division, Nichols is regarded as one of the foremost trial specialists by his peers. Nichols h...