Julia C. Risley

Michael Marek P.C. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law. Michael, 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 Michael is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kent A. Schaffer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Kent A., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2003. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kent A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Charley Davidson leads the firm’s criminal defense practice, where he offers passionate, responsive counsel to guide clients facing state and federal charges in the areas of white collar and blue collar crime. Prior to joining Hanszen Laporte, he was a partner at a large international firm specializing in white collar defense, as well as a partner at a Houston-based criminal defense law firm. Charley also spent three years as an assistant U.S. attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Offic...

Susan George is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Susan, 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 Susan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Heim, Payne & Chorush co-founder Michael Heim specializes exclusively in intellectual property litigation and antitrust lawsuits involving intellectual property. Mr. Heim represents plaintiffs and defendants throughout the United States in patent litigation in a wide range of technologies including microprocessors, computer architecture, memory control systems, cellular telephone systems, data transmission systems, on-line gaming systems, database caching software, logging-while-drilling ...

Stephanie Jeane is an executive compensation partner in the Houston office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Stephanie’s practice focuses on executive compensation and benefits matters in connection with mergers and acquisitions, spin-offs and divestitures and public offerings. Stephanie also advises clients on a wide range of compensation and associated tax, securities and corporate governance matters, including the design, disclosure and implementation of equity and cash incentive programs...

Joshua Mermis’ focus is on litigation relating to construction, energy, product liability and business law. He has extensive experience conducting both jury and bench trials, as well as arbitrations. His litigation experience is broad, ranging from homeowner claims to multimillion dollar commercial projects throughout Texas. Joshua represents domestic and international companies including developers, general contractors, subcontractors, product and equipment manufacturers, as well as in...

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...

Stephen M. Loftin is a founding member of Hicks Thomas LLP who began his legal career in a large, international law firm. Over the last 32 years, Mr. Loftin’s practice has focused on a wide range of business litigation and personal injury litigation, both on the plaintiff and defense side of the bar. This broad range of experience allows Mr. Loftin to bring a unique perspective to clients no matter on which side of the dispute they may find themselves. Mr. Loftin has extensive experienc...