K. Todd Phillips

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...

Kevin Schutte is a partner in the firm’s Dallas office. Mr. Schutte’s practice focuses on general commercial and business litigation at both the trial and appellate court levels, as well as arbitrations and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. In his general commercial litigation practice, Mr. Schutte represents clients in disputes involving breach of contract, fraud, securities fraud, misappropriation of trade secrets, unfair competition, real estate, healthcare, tradem...

Charles Siegel leads the appellate and qui tam whistleblower practices at Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel. A veteran litigator, he has argued appeals in nine of the federal circuits, seven state supreme courts, and in numerous intermediate appellate courts around the country. In addition, he has appeared in state or federal trial courts in more than 30 states and in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. An authority on asbestos exposure and qui tam whistleblower litigation and appellate issues...

Julie Melton Partain is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Economic Development Law and Public Finance Law. Julie Melton, who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Julie Melton is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Darren Hauck is partner-in-charge of the firm’s Dallas office. He concentrates his practice on domestic and international mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, outsourcings and other large commercial transactions, with an emphasis on technology and the travel and travel service industries. Darren’s practice has involved a wide variety of complex transactions, often involving three or more negotiating parties of more than one nationality. He also has advised clients on the crea...

Dee J. Kelly is a partner at Kelly Hart & Hallman and served as the firm’s managing partner from 2005-2016. He is a member of the firm’s Litigation and Administrative Law practice groups and serves on its executive committee. Mr. Kelly represents corporate and individual clients in a wide variety of business litigation in state and federal courts. Mr. Kelly also provides advice and representation to clients with matters pending before governmental and administrative bodies. U....

Mr. Cox represents leading financial institutions, businesses, and agricultural producers in northwest Texas and the Texas Panhandle. His practice is focused on loan documentation (including syndicated loans), complex commercial and agricultural bankruptcies, trustee litigation, restructuring and workouts, commercial real estate, and representation of franchised motor vehicle dealerships. Mr. Cox is the author of Texas Creditors' Rights Laws Annotated (Thomson Reuters / West 2017-21). Board C...

Michael C. Titens is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Michael C., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Businesses and health care providers across the country rely on Brad Smyer for sound advice during their most difficult commercial disputes, whistleblower suits, and government enforcement actions. He uses his experience as a multiyear federal law clerk and his Certification in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) to help clients navigate high-stakes investigations and address corporate compliance concerns. Brad helps clients navigate complex litigation, government investigations, and whistleblower la...

Bradley L. Whitlock is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Bradley L., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2005. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Bradley L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.