Messina Madson

A fourth generation attorney, Debbie Dudley Branson is a key member of The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson, one of the most respected trial firms in the Southwest. Her work focuses on high-level litigation strategy in a broad array of cases, from catastrophic personal injury claims to complex commercial litigation. Holding an advanced degree in psychology, Ms. Branson also directs focus groups, attitudinal surveys, voir dire, witness preparation, argument, and jury debriefing. Additionally, B...

David M. Bennett 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. David M., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

2020 Dallas Bar Association President Robert Tobey knows where all the bodies are buried. He is a master at preparing and handling cases for trial, arbitration, or settlement. Robert litigates cases himself and as part of the Johnston Tobey Baruch trial team. “Robert’s attention to detail is phenomenal,” says firm co-founder Randy Johnston. “He can tell you exactly how to keep yourself out of trouble.” Robert is Board Certified in Consumer and Commercial Law by t...

Recognizing that divorce is a difficult time and often involves the division of an estate, Thomas Goranson applies a keen understanding to marital assets and how they can be valued and divided to achieve maximum benefit to the client. Befitting the founder of the firm, Tom also brings a certain stature to his cases that supports the client’s goals in the proceedings. With an eye toward preserving assets rather than destroying them, Tom offers clients a thorough analysis and creative but...

LeElle Slifer is an experienced trial lawyer who practices in Winston & Strawn LLP's Dallas office. Her clients describe her as a litigator who “provides time-critical business and strategic counsel that can make all the difference in high-stakes litigation.” With significant experience in a wide range of disputes—including complex commercial, oil and gas, antitrust, patent and copyright infringement, non-competes, theft of trade secrets, class actions, and even the seiz...

James B. Harris is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Environmental Law and Litigation - Environmental. James B., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 1989. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Wayne B. Whitham has over 30 years of experience in counseling public and closely-held companies and individuals in general corporate, securities, and partnership matters, mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, leveraged acquisitions and recapitalizations, venture capital transactions, securities offerings, financings and joint ventures and similar matters. Mr. Whitham has worked on behalf of clients from a broad range of industries, including manufacturing companies, real estate firms, technol...

Joseph F. Coniglio has wide-ranging experience in the areas of health care law and complex business litigation. He represents hospitals, physicians, and other related health care entities in litigation and transactional matters. He also provides service on a national basis to privately held and publicly traded companies related to corporate entity issues and health care regulatory matters. Joe advises health care clients on operational matters, liability exposure of corporate entities, federa...

J. Benjamin King is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. J. Benjamin, who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which J. Benjamin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jerry Fellows prepares and implements intellectual property protection and enforcement strategies that help clients achieve their business goals. His practice includes acquiring and enforcing United States and foreign patent rights, particularly for alternative energy innovations, sustainable technologies, software, Internet, business methods, seismic detection systems, and electrical, mechanical, biomedical and electromechanical technologies. Jerry also has experience patenting material scie...