Laura Shoemaker McGonagill

Mary Pace Livingstone represents defendants in a wide range of complex commercial circumstances in both state and federal courts. She joined the firm in August 2009. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Livingstone clerked for the Honorable Chief Justice Adele Hedges of the Texas Court of Appeals, First District and was an associate with Bracewell & Giuliani, LLP. Obtained dismissal in state court for a director of an oil and gas company in case involving negligent misrepresentation, fraud, and...

John H. Kim is a seasoned, respected civil trial lawyer who handles high-stakes litigation for international corporations and the most important case of their lives for individuals who have been injured by others. He practices in Texas, nationwide and internationally. He has been named a Best Lawyer in America in the Commercial Litigation category by his peers. Recent past president of the Houston chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), elected nationally to be a trustee of ...

Erin Hopkins is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Natural Resources Law. Erin, 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 Erin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Paul J. Goldenberg is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. Paul J., 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 Paul J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Sheryl Tatar Dacso is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law. Sheryl Tatar, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sheryl Tatar is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brian’s practice focuses on complex litigation and appeals. He has litigated and appealed a wide variety of claims for clients in the petroleum, transportation, insurance, and construction industries, including contractual, commercial tort, catastrophic personal injury, and wrongful death claims. As an appellate advocate, Mr. Cathey is frequently engaged to assist clients in the trial court with preparing dispositive motions, jury charges, post-verdict motions, and providing trial assis...

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...

Melanie R. Cheairs is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Melanie R., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Melanie R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Dara Hegar is the Managing Attorney of The Lanier Law Firm. She represents clients in each of the firm’s practice areas with a focus on trial coordination in complex litigation matters. While Mrs. Hegar’s proficiency spans across all of the firm’s practice areas, her specialty is providing specific insight that has resulted in many significant verdicts and settlements. She played a key role in the firm’s courtroom victories for years, including the $253 million verdict...

Ethel J. Johnson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Labor Law - Management. Ethel J., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ethel J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.