John R. Hays, Jr.

Christopher L. Crumbley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property. Christopher L., who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Gary Zausmer has over 35 years of experience in litigation and client representation in multiple areas, including contract, fraud, real estate, energy, insurance, regulatory, health, technology, and financial disputes. His trial, arbitration, and appellate record includes the defense, prosecution, and favorable disposition of contract and tort cases in state and federal courts, including published decisions in favor of his clients. Gary also counsels clients on developing litigation success a...

Jeff Dickerson is the firm’s senior corporate lawyer, and the managing shareholder of the firm’s Austin office, which he helped to establish in 2008. Jeff serves as outside general counsel to businesses in a number of different industries, including refinery services, beverage distribution, oilfield services, and physician practices. He specializes in mergers and acquisitions and general corporate work. Education B.A., English, with Honors, University of Texas, 1983 M.A., English,...

Jeannie Heffernan is an experienced trial lawyer who leads Kirkland’s IP litigation practice in Texas. She has won more than a dozen patent infringement trials in federal district courts across the country and at the International Trade Commission, with victories affirmed at the Federal Circuit. She represents clients in a wide range of fields, including computer networking, telecommunications, cryptography, semiconductors, and medical devices. Jeannie has particular experience leading ...

Juli A. Bryan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Juli A., who practices law in Temple, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Juli A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kevin D. Collins is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Environmental Law and Litigation - Environmental. Kevin D., who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kevin D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Frank B. Brown is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law, Real Estate Law and Tax Law. Frank B., who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Frank B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Board Certified in Construction Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Carson Fisk represents construction industry participants in both contentious and non-contentious matters, including complex construction litigation and claims, contract drafting and negotiation, and best practices and claims counseling matters. His practice focuses on the representation of general contractors, but he also actively represents developers/owners, subcontractors, suppliers and sureties. He has experi...

Clarke represents a wide array of businesses in many different types of business transactions. For more than 40 years, he has successfully negotiated commercial leases for tenants and landlords, formed venture capital funds for institutional investors, represented management in various transactions involving employment agreements, separation agreements, and various types of equity and phantom equity compensation arrangements. He is committed to providing cost effective, high quality legal ser...

Fletcher H. Brown is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative / Regulatory Law and Health Care Law. Fletcher H., who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Fletcher H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.