Matthew T. Taplett

Member, UT Harry Ransom Center Advisory Council

Leticia Martinez is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice. Leticia, who practices law in Fort Worth, Texas, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Leticia is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area. As an experienced criminal defense attorney and Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal...

Elizabeth Y. Ryan is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Elizabeth Y. practices law in Dallas, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Elizabeth Y. Ryan 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 Elizabeth Y. Ryan is held by other lawyers.

When business owners, boards of directors and investment bankers are tasked with buying or selling a sophisticated business enterprise, they call David Washburn. And should a controversy arise following closing, clients seek David out to fully understand their options, mitigate losses and plan their next steps. Having been recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America since 2015 and as head of Katten's Corporate practice in Dallas, David is a true legal strategist who brings a passion for ...

Rachel M. Riley is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Rachel M. practices law in Dallas, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Rachel M. Riley since 2027. 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 Rachel M. Riley is held by other lawyers.

Mark Daniel has more than 25 years of experience representing clients in complex litigation matters as well as commercial transactional advice. In particular, he represents public utilities across Texas in complex personal injury and property damage litigation matters, involving electrical contact, gas explosions, commercial negligence and transportation. He also represents utilities in the areas of condemnation and easement/right-of-way acquisition, easement disputes and damage recovery. Mar...

John Slates is Board Certified in Construction Law and focuses his practice on representing general contractors, owners, and developers. John is an accomplished trial lawyer who has first-chaired numerous cases to verdicts, including cases that have been recognized by the National Law Journal’s " Top 100 Verdicts" and Verdict Search’s "Top Texas Verdicts." He has also successfully argued before the Texas Supreme Court in Lennar Corporation v. Markel American Insurance Company . Jo...

With a long-standing background in collaborative law, mediation, and litigation, Allen, Texas divorce attorney Carie Silvestri brings creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking to every matter she handles at Silvestri Family Law. She is known for listening carefully to client concerns while navigating complex family law issues with clarity and care. Carie focuses her practice exclusively on Family Law, including Collaborative Law: Family Law and Family Law Mediation, allowing her to devote h...

The first time I ever stood up in front of a jury, I knew that it was where I belonged. I’ve been told that, in front of a jury, I seem to have the opposite of stage fright, and I suppose that’s true. It’s where I feel most comfortable: advocating for my clients, arguing their cases. As a trial lawyer, the courtroom is my second home. I try cases because I enjoy helping people, whether they’re ordinary people who’ve been wronged by a product, company, or a busine...

As a founding partner of Lyons & Simmons, Christopher Simmons focuses his practice on representing clients in complex civil litigation involving wrongful death, catastrophic personal injuries, product liability, complex business disputes, construction defects, and professional liability. He has a well-earned reputation as a trial lawyer who combines a tireless work ethic with a creative, “outside the box” approach to achieve outstanding results for his clients. Simmons believe...