Merritt B. Chastain III

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.

Susan McLerran’s practice encompasses a broad array of family law matters, with a focus on complex divorce proceedings involving marital property characterization, valuation and division, business valuation, taxation, issues related to retirement assets, stock options, restricted stock and employee benefits, and conservatorship, visitation and child support matters, pre-marital and post-marital agreements, and suits regarding modification and enforcement of court orders. Susan’s e...

Douglas E. Stewart is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law and Real Estate Law. Douglas E., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 1995. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Douglas E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Christine D. Traversi is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Immigration Law. Christine D., 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 Christine D. 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...

Robert Dubose graduated from Rice University magna cum laude in 1990 and Harvard Law School cum laude in 1993. He is Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Civil Appellate Law. He is a past-chair of the Appellate Section of the Houston Bar Association. Robert handles appeals, with particular emphasis on insurance coverage, corporate governance, and commercial and contract disputes. He also works with clients and other lawyers on legal strategy before and during trial, f...

Joseph E. Bain 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. Joseph E., 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 Joseph E. 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...

Michael D. Warner is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Michael D., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...