Michelle K. Whitley

Lauren Black is a partner in the firm’s Litigation Practice Group with more than a decade of experience handling a diverse array of matters. While her practice is “industry agnostic,” she has represented clients in the energy, construction, manufacturing, healthcare, shipping, technology, and logistics industries. Lauren has achieved favorable results for clients facing all aspects of civil litigation, from a strategic approach to early dispute resolution to a favorable sett...

Bruce Wayne Merwin is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Construction Law and Real Estate Law. Bruce Wayne practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Bruce Wayne Merwin since 2001. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Bruce Wayne Merwin is held by other lawyers.

Todd G. Crawford has handled a broad scope of complex litigation, ranging from toxic exposures to marine disasters to catastrophic oilfield blowouts. Todd remains busy splitting his time between the firm’s Houston office and New Orleans office, while still managing the Gulfport office allowing him to easily represent his clients all along the Gulf Coast region. Todd's practice includes general maritime law matters, including arrests and attachments, cargo claims, limitation of liability...

Reid Wilson is recognized as southeast Texas’ preeminent land use attorney, a Fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL), and one of few practicing real estate attorneys holding the Counselors of Real Estate (CRE) designation. Board-certified in commercial real estate law and homeowners association law, he brings to his practice his relationships and reputation with governmental lawyers and officials throughout southeast Texas. As the Chairman of Wilson Cribbs + Goren...

Kent Newsome serves as Chair of the firm's Houston Real Estate Practice. He has more than 25 years of experience that includes commercial real estate, real estate development, health care acquisitions and development, financing transactions, and general business law. Kent regularly represents owners and developers of commercial, retail and industrial properties in the acquisition, financing, development, leasing, management and sale of income producing properties, including office buildings, ...

Cory Itkin has established a reputation as one of the most aggressive and prepared trial lawyers in the country. His experience includes maritime accidents, trucking accidents, plant explosions, and other high-stakes personal injury cases. Mr. Itkin has won verdicts and settlements for clients in more than two dozen states. He also obtained favorable results in the high-profile litigation involving families who lost loved ones or workers who were injured in the BP Deepwater Horizon explosion ...

Heather L. Brown is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Banking and Finance Law, Commercial Finance Law, Project Finance Law and Securitization and Structured Finance Law. Heather L. practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Heather L. Brown since 2018. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Heather L. Bro...

Michael Piazza is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Corporate Law, Energy Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Oil and Gas Law. Michael practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Michael Piazza since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Michael Piazza is ...

Boris A. Hidalgo is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Boris A. practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Boris A. Hidalgo since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Boris A. Hidalgo is held by other lawyers.

Cynthia has been focused on real estate and lending law since 1985, when clients at her first law firm needed assistance with real estate matters. She is now a Shareholder at Wilson Cribbs + Goren, and is board-certified in Commercial Real Estate by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Cynthia’s practice primarily involves the representation of lenders and borrowers in connection with the financing of commercial real estate projects. She also maintains a significant affordable housi...