Omar J. Alaniz

Al Ellis, Of Counsel, is known in legal circles for his leadership and integrity in the practice of law, as well as his service to the community. At Sommerman, McCaffity, Quesada & Geisler, L.L.P., he focuses his practice on personal injury, products liability, dram shop, medical malpractice litigation and mediation/arbitration. Al vigorously advocates for his clients, having tried more than 175 jury trials. He is Board Certified in Personal Injury and Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board o...

Thomas Whelan’s practice encompasses a broad range of leasing, financing, and other real estate transactions, as well as commercial litigation emphasizing landlord-tenant, lender liability, brokerage, and other real-estate-related matters. He has authored numerous articles and is frequently invited to speak on matters including leasing, receiverships, real estate brokerage and other real estate related topics. Before receiving his law degree from Southern Methodist University, Mr. Whela...

Christopher Colley is a shareholder in the Dallas offices of Baron & Budd. He began helping asbestos victims and their families in 2001, primarily along the Texas coast. He participated in hundreds of asbestos cases representing various trades of construction along with chemical and oil refinery workers, including pipefitters, boilermakers, carpenters, electricians and certainly those involved with insulation materials. Starting in 2006 Mr. Colley began to work almost exclusively in the s...

As the proud father of six and grandfather of five children, the traits that make Keith Nelson such an effective and empathetic family law attorney—including problem-solver, crisis manager, communicator, mediator, and peacemaker—come naturally. Keith uses these skills, honed over a 30-year career, to make a difference in clients’ lives, obtaining results that match their goals. Keith is responsive to his clients while guiding them through the legal process in an easy-to-unde...

James (Jim) Davis is a trial lawyer who helps businesses navigate complex disputes with practical, strategic guidance focused on efficient and cost-effective resolution. With more than 35 years of courtroom experience, Jim has handled significant matters in federal, state, and appellate courts throughout the United States, as well as in arbitration proceedings. Jim’s practice spans a broad range of complex commercial disputes, including commercial and financial transactions litigation, ...

Kelly Franklin Bagnall is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Leisure and Hospitality Law and Real Estate Law. Kelly Franklin, who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kelly Franklin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

J.P. Neyland is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law. J.P., 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.P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Andrew Payne graduated at the top of his class in law school and started his career working for a prestigious international firm representing large insurers and corporations. But it did not take long for Andy to realize that he wanted to help people who had suffered harm through no fault of their own, not protect negligent corporations whose actions harmed people. Andy’s passion for handling significant personal injury cases stems from this desire to help people who truly need justice. ...

Michael D. Emerson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law. Michael D., 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 Michael D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David Lawrence is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. David, who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.