Pearson Wolk

Prior to joining The Lanier Law Firm, Ms. Ayachi represented clients in a variety of public interest cases, including public and private housing, construction liability, public access, contractor and insurance fraud, and medical benefits claims, which gives her a well-rounded and unique ability of viewing her client’s cases. Ms. Ayachi earned her undergraduate degree, cum laude, from Harvard College with a major in Comparative Religion, focusing on early Christianity and Buddhism, and a...

Matthew P. Whitley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Intellectual Property and Litigation - Patent. Matthew, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Matthew is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area. Over his more than 20 years of practicing law, Matthew has ge...

Having tried more than 60 cases, Todd Mensing is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction reserved for Texas trial lawyers with a high degree of trial experience and expertise. During the last ten years, an average of fewer than five attorneys per year statewide has earned the distinction. Todd is recognized among the top lawyers in the nation for commercial litigation and construction litigation in The Best Lawyers in America. Todd is also ...

PHILIP H. HILDER was formerly the attorney-in-charge of the Houston Field Office of the United States Department of Justice, Organized Crime Strike Force. Prior to his appointment as a special attorney with the Justice Department, Mr. Hilder was an assistant United States attorney in the Southern District of Texas with the Presidential Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. Since leaving government service, Mr. Hilder has practiced in the area of white collar criminal defense, internal ...

Cindy Matherne Muller is a partner in the Maritime Practice Group and head of the firm’s Houston office. She represents a broad range of companies, from large multinational EPC contractors to private equity portfolio companies, doing business in the energy, maritime, and construction industries, on capital projects and commercial and restructuring transactions, and compliance functions. Cindy participates in the Construction, Energy, Environmental & Natural Resources, and Maritime i...

Jessica Guobadia is a litigation attorney and mediator with Kean Miller in Houston, Texas, representing individuals and families in matters involving Elder Law, Trusts and Estates , and Litigation related to trusts and estates. Her practice focuses on guardianship, probate, and mental health commitment proceedings, where she works closely with clients to protect individual rights while helping families and caregivers navigate emotionally complex legal processes. Jessica regularly handles prob...

Erik Garza is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Admiralty and Maritime Law. Erik practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Erik Garza since 2027. 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 Erik Garza is held by other lawyers.

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...

Kerry E. Notestine represents employers in all aspects of employment matters, including litigation under federal, state, and local anti-discrimination statutes, as well as the common law; administrative proceedings before various federal and state government agencies; and counseling employers regarding employment issues, particularly leaves and reductions-in-force. Kerry’s book, Employment Law Trials: A Practical Guide, published in 2005 by LexisNexis Publishing, is a leading work on th...

Andy Cao is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Andy practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Andy Cao 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 Andy Cao is held by other lawyers.