Layne E. Kruse

Barham Lewis, a shareholder at Ogletree Deakins, focuses his practice on employment-related litigation before state and federal courts and other civil litigation. Mr. Lewis has tried to jury verdict cases ranging from sexual assault/sexual harassment, retaliation/wrongful discharge claims to commercial disputes and wrongful death causes of action. He also represents companies in arbitrations including discharge/discipline cases and contract interpretation disputes. Mr. Lewis is board certifie...

Keeping his client’s business objectives foremost in mind, Kevin Troutman focuses his practice on litigation and providing day-to-day advice concerning a variety of employment and people management issues. In doing so, he calls upon both his experience as an attorney and his years of experience as a human resources executive, including a period when he was responsible for 22 hospitals in five states. Kevin concentrates on finding practical business solutions that minimize employers&rsqu...

John M. Ransom II is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Collaborative Law: Family Law and Trusts and Estates. John M., 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 John M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Rob Carty has been litigating cases for more than 30 years. During that time, he has handled a wide range of disputes and developed extensive courtroom experience. He began his legal career in the United States Air Force, serving four years as a judge advocate. After his military service, Rob spent years working within the corporate legal environment, gaining firsthand insight into how large companies and insurance carriers evaluate and defend claims. That background informs his approach toda...

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.

Timothy G. Verrall is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Timothy G., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Timothy G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Omar Izfar is a Shareholder for the Land Use and Zoning Section of Wilson, Cribbs & Goren, P.C. where he assists clients with complex land use and zoning issues in connection with commercial, industrial, and large-scale residential development projects. Although Houston lacks formal zoning laws, it has a sophisticated set of land use controls that affect land use and real estate development, largely through the subdivision platting process. Numerous other cities in the metro-Houston area a...

Dwayne L. Mason serves as the head of the Texas Intellectual Property Litigation Practice. Dwayne’s practice focuses on patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, and technology-based commercial litigation. Dwayne also manages patent and trademark portfolios and assists companies in protecting and commercializing their intellectual property, including many transactional matters in the technology, media, life sciences, energy, and natural resources industries. Dwayne has litigated numer...

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.