Michael E. Santa Maria

Andrew B. Derman is a Partner and head of International Energy Practice Group for Thompson & Knight LLP and Chairman of Thompson & Knight Global Energy Services. He represents public and private companies and host governments in their strategic design, commercial execution, negotiations, contract preparation, and legal interpretation. Recent experience includes: acquisition and divestment efforts in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia; international finan...

Hunter Johnson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Hunter, who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Hunter is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Olivia Adendorff is a litigation partner in the Dallas and Washington, D.C., offices of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. She has broad experience in consumer protection, false advertising and antitrust matters, with particular experience in FTC investigations, private antitrust litigation and class actions. She defends corporations in a wide variety of industries, including Fortune 500 pharmaceutical and technology companies. Olivia has acted as trial and appellate counsel in both individual and cla...

Francesca Blackard is a dedicated family law attorney and partner at McClure Law Group, where she has exclusively practiced family law since earning her Juris Doctor from New York Law School in 2012. Francesca’s journey to becoming a well-respected family law attorney began even before law school, where she spent five years working as a paralegal and law clerk at family law firms in Chicago, New York, and Dallas. Her unique career path has honed a skill set deeply rooted in family law, ...

Danita Glenn is a trial attorney with more than 15 years of experience representing clients in litigation matters, with a focus on construction-related disputes . As a partner at Kerrane Storz PC in Southlake, Texas, Danita works closely with clients throughout every stage of the litigation process. She is known for her practical approach to case management and her ability to advocate effectively during negotiations and at trial. Danita’s practice centers on Litigation – Construct...

Jeremy W. Hawpe is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Jeremy W., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jeremy W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Barry Golden is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Barry, who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Barry is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

W. Brent Shellhorse is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. W. Brent, who practices law in Fort Worth, Texas, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which W. Brent is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Barrett Howell defends companies, executives, and healthcare professionals against government investigations. For over two decades Barrett has guided clients to favorable outcomes in criminal and civil fraud investigations, criminal prosecutions, and enforcement actions. Barrett is a strategic problem solver who works proactively on behalf of his clients to avoid indictment, lawsuits, and enforcement actions.

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...