Michael McGovern

For over twenty years Mr. Nelson has represented businesses and individuals in courts across Texas. Over that period of time, his law practice has grown to include not only business litigation but also intellectual property actions to protect clients’ trade secrets, trademarks, and copyrights. Mr. Nelson is experienced not only in traditional areas such as construction, personal injury, and product liability, but also complex securities cases and those involving breaches of fiduciary du...

James F. Parker is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. James F., who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Steven M. Espenshade is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Copyright Law and Trademark Law. Steven M., who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Steven M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brenda L. Clayton practices environmental, energy, and appellate law. Her environmental practice includes regulatory matters involving waste and water such as those arising under the Resource Conservation and Recovery act (“RCRA”), the Clean Water Act (“CWA”), the Texas Water Code, the Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act (“TSWDA”), and other statutes. She handles the defense or prosecution of private environmental litigation such as private suits under the Compr...

Heidi G. Bloch is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. Heidi G., who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Heidi G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

As a Board-Certified Civil Appellate specialist, Amanda helps to shape successful case strategy from the outset of litigation through the end of an appeal. Amanda is a detail-oriented lawyer who represents her clients with passion, stays current on emerging trends and issues, and brings a practical perspective to problem solving. She has experience handling complex civil disputes regarding contracts, fraud, tax, insurance, products, employment, real property, and trust and estates. Amanda pro...

Russell has a multifaceted water law practice, with an emphasis on matters involving land use, water rights and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). His clients are generally landowners, industries, mineral owners and developers seeking to acquire, safeguard, develop or convey water resources. Russ advocates on their behalf before the courts, the Texas Legislature and administrative agencies.Navigating the rules and regulations imposed on landowners by governmental agencies can be a major challe...

Board Certified in Construction Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Clayton C. Utkov has a practice which focuses on both the transactional and dispute resolution aspects of construction law. He represents general contractors, subcontractors, owners, developers and suppliers in all matters, from drafting and negotiating construction contracts to complex construction disputes, including contract disputes, performance and payment disputes, delay claims, design and construction defec...

Derek practices administrative and regulatory law with a focus on environmental permitting and enforcement. With more than 30 years of regulatory and legislative experience, Derek assists clients with a wide range of matters, including Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) contested case hearings and regulatory compliance, water supply and water rights, air, water, waste, and wastewater discharge permitting.Derek previously held roles as General Counsel of the TCEQ, Counsel to form...

Lou Pirkey is a founding partner of trademark specialty firm Pirkey Barber. Lou Pirkey has specialized in trademark law, primarily trademark infringement litigation and counseling, for well over 40 years, and is one of America’s most highly recognized authorities in the field. He was heralded as "legend of the field" in the 2014 World Trademark Review 1000 ind in 2012 as a "a groundbreaking trademark lawyer undoubtedly practicing at the highest level.” Chambers USA guide to Americ...