Melissa S. Hayward

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

Emily Stout is an employment law specialist who is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She litigates all aspects of employment, labor, business, and commercial cases in federal and state courts, arbitration tribunals, appellate courts, and administrative agencies, including the EEOC, and DOL, on behalf of corporate and individual clients. She advises clients on employment policies, practices, training, and employee benefits. Ms. Stout conduc...

Michael Peck is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Transportation Law. Michael, who practices law in Fort Worth, Texas, has been recognized since 2022. 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.

Trial lawyer Jeffrey Rasansky (the founding attorney of Rasansky Law Firm) is an aggressive, dedicated Dallas attorney who prides himself on the level of personal service he gives each and every one of his clients. Jeff Rasansky focuses on catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases, including vehicular accidents, medical malpractice, birth injuries, product liability, and complex business litigation across Texas and the United States. With almost 30 years of trial experience, Rasan...

Nothing defines an appellate lawyer more than writing ability. Chad Baruch wrote one of the most acclaimed appellate briefs in American history while representing what the New York Times called "a glittering array of hip hop stars." The "Hip Hop Brief" went viral and received national media coverage including articles in New Yorker and Rolling Stone. One newspaper called it "the greatest amicus brief in Supreme Court history." Chad’s work focuses on high-stakes civil and family appeals,...

Richard is the Head of the Dallas Litigation Practice Group. He is an experienced trial lawyer who has first-chaired dozens of complex cases in state and federal courts, arbitrations and other proceedings—many of which he joined as trial counsel at the 11th hour. His extensive courtroom experience includes cases involving product and environmental liability, trade secrets, breach of fiduciary duty, insurance coverage, False Claims Act allegations, partnership disputes and other business...

During more than four decades of experience in both state and federal courts, I have taken more than 150 cases to trial. This experience includes representing plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes commercial litigation, including cases involving corporate director and officer liability, securities claims, product liability and patent infringement lawsuits. I believe now, more than ever, companies and individuals need lawyers who are effective in the courtroom and can help them solve the mo...

Charles M. Persons is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Charles M., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Charles M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Paula L. Beasley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Paula L., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Paula L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Jim Loveless has provided clients with personal attention and the highest standards of legal representation. He is well-respected by his peers and has served in nearly every leadership position in the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists and the Family Law Council of the State Bar of Texas. He is an author and speaker and has traveled extensively to teach and share insights with other attorneys across Texas. He is an...