Matt Manning

John B. Thomas is the co-founder of Houston-based commercial litigation boutique Hicks Thomas LLP. Known for his deep experience in handling complex commercial litigation, Mr. Thomas and the firm’s lawyers represent both defendants and plaintiffs in lawsuits involving oil and gas, securities, environmental matters, banking, transportation, intellectual property and health care. Mr. Thomas has been named to Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Lawyers in America and Lawdragon’s 500 Leadin...

David Castro Jr. is a corporate partner in the Houston office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. David’s practice focuses on mergers & acquisitions and the formation of joint ventures involving energy assets across the value chain, including traditional and renewable energy sources. David has represented clients in connection with the purchase and sale of a broad range of assets, including upstream and midstream oil and gas assets and companies, processing and fractionation facilities and...

Charles Flood is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Charles practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Charles Flood since 2018. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Charles Flood is held by other lawyers.

Allen H. Rustay is a partner at Hicks Thomas LLP and has over 20 years of experience in litigation in Texas State and Federal courts. He has extensive experience in commercial litigation including matters involving commercial disputes, energy, oil and gas, and maritime disputes on behalf of plaintiffs and defendants. He has also litigated theft of trade secrets, breaches of fiduciary duty, and business torts. Formerly affiliated with a large international law firm, Mr. Rustay has been with Hi...

Katherine (Kit) Flanagan handles all areas of employment law for employers, including matters involving: Claims of sex, age, national origin, race, disability and pregnancy discrimination and harassment Retaliation and whistleblower claims Wrongful termination claims Other employment-related litigation Drug and alcohol testing Employment policies and handbooks Counsel and advice regarding employee investigations and employment contracts Kit's practice focuses primarily on employment litigatio...

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...

Brian E. Simmons focuses on all facets of intellectual property law, including patent and trade secret litigation; patent counseling; due diligence investigations for investments, acquisitions, and divestitures; technology transfers, joint developments, and other research agreements; licenses; transactions involving IP; and risk consulting. Mr. Simmons has represented clients in a variety of matters in the chemical arts after serving as a senior research chemist prior to practicing law. His e...

Rick earned a BBA and a MBA from the University of Texas at Austin in accounting and finance. His JD is from the University of Houston. Rick is a recognized leader in real estate law in the State of Texas, and is board certified in Commercial and Residential Real Estate Law. He has a depth and breadth of experience in a variety of complex real estate matters. Rick has represented a wide range of businesses and individuals in purchases and sales, contracts, business conflicts, commercial trans...

Jonathan Baughman is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Oil and Gas Law. Jonathan practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Jonathan Baughman since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Jonathan Baughman is held by other lawyers.

Masood Anjom is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Intellectual Property, Litigation - Patent and Patent Law. Masood practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Masood Anjom since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Masood Anjom is held by other lawyers.