Jonathan B. Newton

Nicholas Earles is a partner in SBSB’s Houston office and has been a knowledgeable resource in the maritime space for more than 20 years. While his practice focuses in admiralty, his experience also extends to general and premises liability, workers’ compensation, subrogation and transportation. Additionally, he has navigated difficult cases for energy companies and overseas defense contractors covered by the Defense Base Act. A member of SBSB’s original roster in February 2...

Alexandre A. Afanassiev is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Immigration Law. Alexandre A., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Alexandre A. 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...

LaDonna G. Schexnyder is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. LaDonna G., 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 LaDonna G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David B. Jordan focuses his practice on employment counseling and litigation, including all aspects of labor relations and employment law. His areas of expertise include: Workplace safety Wage and hour collective actions Wage and hour compliance, including tip credit and tip sharing issues Discrimination Wrongful discharge Retaliation He also handles disputes involving employment contracts, covenants not to compete, trade secrets and confidentiality agreements. In addition to representing emp...

Erick Sandlin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy). Erick, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Erick is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

R. Todd Bennett is a criminal defense attorney based in Houston, Texas and the founder of R. Todd Bennett PC. His practice focuses on general criminal defense and white-collar matters, representing individuals facing serious allegations in state and federal courts . He brings a steady and measured approach to cases that often carry high stakes for clients and their families. Mr. Bennett’s work centers on defending clients accused of complex financial crimes, fraud allegations and other ...

Brittany Sakowitz is a corporate partner in the Houston and Austin offices of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, concentrating her practice on mergers and acquisitions and private equity. Brittany advises private equity and venture capital investors, their portfolio companies, and other public and private companies across a broad range of industries, including infrastructure, energy and energy-related services, renewables, technology and digital infrastructure. She primarily counsels clients on public...

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

Reid Wilson is recognized as southeast Texas’ preeminent land use attorney, a Fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL), and one of few practicing real estate attorneys holding the Counselors of Real Estate (CRE) designation. Board-certified in commercial real estate law and homeowners association law, he brings to his practice his relationships and reputation with governmental lawyers and officials throughout southeast Texas. As the Chairman of Wilson Cribbs + Goren...