John D. Penn

A fourth generation attorney, Debbie Dudley Branson is a key member of The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson, one of the most respected trial firms in the Southwest. Her work focuses on high-level litigation strategy in a broad array of cases, from catastrophic personal injury claims to complex commercial litigation. Holding an advanced degree in psychology, Ms. Branson also directs focus groups, attitudinal surveys, voir dire, witness preparation, argument, and jury debriefing. Additionally, B...

Turner Thornton is a Senior Attorney and leader of Varghese Summersett’s Family Law Division, where he represents clients in divorce, child custody, property division, and other complex family law matters. With experience handling hundreds of cases, Turner is equally comfortable negotiating a resolution outside the courtroom or advocating for his clients at trial. He takes a strategic approach to each matter, evaluating the circumstances and objectives of the family involved to determin...

Kenya S. Woodruff works with hospitals, physicians and other health care providers looking to improve the performance of their clinical operations and ensure regulatory compliance. She also helps those organizations merge and expand, whether through joint ventures, mergers or acquisitions. Due to her prior experience as deputy general counsel at the Parkland Health & Hospital System, Kenya approaches operational issues from the client's perspective, taking into account both technical issu...

Daniel Peel is Senior Counsel at Lovein Ribman, P.C. His practice of more than thirty years encompasses business litigation, construction law, transactions, employment law, personal injury, insurance coverage, family law and appeals. He has recovered millions of dollars for his clients, including a $10.3 million judgment in a complex investment case. Mr. Peel was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He received his B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of Memphis. Mr. Peel graduated from Vanderbi...

Kelly Rittenberry Culhane is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Insurance Law. Kelly Rittenberry practices law in Dallas, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Kelly Rittenberry Culhane since 2019. 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 Kelly Rittenberry Culhane is held by other lawyers.

Shane O’Dell focuses his practice on driving value for his clients. Whether defending his clients, pursuing legal remedies, or evaluating to determine if litigation is necessary or avoidable, Shane’s focus remains on his clients best interest. A business-minded and enterprising approach helps to create long-term sustainable client relationships which are critical in sustained success for his clients. From drafting, reviewing, or revising documents to avoid litigation, or revising ...

Maeghan E. Whitehead is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Intellectual Property. Maeghan E. practices law in Dallas, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Maeghan E. Whitehead 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 Maeghan E. Whitehead is held by other lawyers.

Mitchell McCrea is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Mitchell practices law in Dallas, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Mitchell McCrea since 2026. 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 Mitchell McCrea is held by other lawyers.

Brad Dowell’s practice focuses primarily on personal injury, general litigation, and labor and employment matters. Over his career, he has tried or arbitrated cases involving alleged violation of collective bargaining agreements, breach of distribution agreements, wrongful termination, alleged employment discrimination and retaliation, as well as numerous personal injury matters ranging from slip and fall cases to alleged negligent security. Following his graduation from Baylor Universi...

Al Ellis, Of Counsel, is known in legal circles for his leadership and integrity in the practice of law, as well as his service to the community. At Sommerman, McCaffity, Quesada & Geisler, L.L.P., he focuses his practice on personal injury, products liability, dram shop, medical malpractice litigation and mediation/arbitration. Al vigorously advocates for his clients, having tried more than 175 jury trials. He is Board Certified in Personal Injury and Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board o...