Laura J. Upchurch

John F. Jakuback is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law and Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. John F., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2008. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

The biggest victory is quietly stopping a case, and David has helped clients avoid charges in many DOJ,SEC, and other government investigations. But David is equally known for courtroom and appellate victories – including antitrust, environmental, health care, securities, immigration, commodities, banking, bribery, government contracts, and others. He also has been recruited to try civil cases, sometimes shortly before trial. Cases include: Acquittal of the Boeing pilot charged in the 7...

Kip Brar is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Kip, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kip is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Hugh M. Ray III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Energy Law and Oil and Gas Law. Hugh M., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Hugh M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mingda Zhao is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Energy Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Mingda, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mingda 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...

Melissa R. Lanier is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Melissa R., who practices law in Humble, Texas, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Melissa R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kent has served as a justice on the Texas Court of Appeals, a judge for the 80th District Court in Harris County, Texas, and as First Assistant Attorney General, the second-highest-ranking official of the Texas Office of the Attorney General. In 2017, he was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to serve as the Texas Commissioner of Insurance, the state’s top insurance regulatory position, responsible for the policies, operations, and enforcement activities of the Texas Department of Insura...

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.

Rick is a Director in the Real Estate section of Coats Rose, and also serves as Managing Director and President of the Firm. He has represented numerous real estate developers in the development of all types of commercial and residential projects in Texas and other states. Rick has particular expertise in the development of master-planned residential communities and, among other projects, has been involved with the Coles Crossing, Silverlake, Sienna Plantation, First Colony, Fall Creek, Cross...