Peter D. "Pete" Kennedy

Bianca Cedrone is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law. Bianca, who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Bianca is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mr. Slinkard has substantial experience in corporate and business law, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, securities law disclosure and compliance, contracts, litigation strategy, trade secrets, copyrights, covenants not to compete, franchising, intellectual property licensing, executive compensation and employee stock options. Areas of Emphasis Mergers and acquisitions Corporate and securities law Corporate governance issues Prior to rejoining the firm in 2000, Mr. Sli...

John W. Bartram is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. John W., who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Andrew Weber, who previously served as Texas First Assistant Attorney General under now-Governor Greg Abbott, is currently a partner at Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP. At the firm, he heads the Austin office and Co-Chairs the Public Law practice group, which provides legal guidance to clients on matters at the intersection of law, policy, and politics before state agencies and the Legislature. Governor Abbott, when he was the Texas Attorney General, appointed Mr. Weber as his First Assistant in...

Though divorce can be an emotional, life-changing event, Rob Frazer offers stability, experience, and guidance to put clients at ease and on a positive path forward. Rob approaches all of his cases with the perspective gained as a seasoned and confident litigator. He communicates well with clients to dispel the myths and misconceptions they may have about divorce. He assures them there is a legal process in place to protect their interests, relieving them of unreasonable fears. Drawing on his...

Cliff’s diverse clientele include governmental agencies and a full range of businesses from start-up companies to large corporations in a variety of industries including healthcare, professional services, technology, construction, real estate, oil and gas and publishing. His work encompasses mergers and acquisitions; private equity offerings; venture capital and debt financings; general contracting; and general corporate counseling. Cliff frequently acts as an outside general counsel an...

With more than 35 years of experience in the representation of motor vehicle manufacturers and distributors, Buddy has seen the economic expansions and retractions of the motor vehicle industry as well as the continual evolving nature of the law and business aspects of motor vehicle distribution at the wholesale and retail levels. While litigation may be necessary, Buddy strives to explore practical solutions that lead to a resolution in disputes that arise between parties. Buddy is based in ...

Ruth Ruggero Hughs, former Texas Secretary of State, is a partner at Kelly Hart’s Austin office and co-chair’s the firm’s Public Law group. Her practice is focused on Public Law, assisting businesses to manage the intersection of law, policy and government, including advising on international transactions and trade matters, government procurement, energy regulatory and policy matters, corporate governance and crisis counseling, federal and state regulatory matters, and publi...

Jay A. Thompson has considerable experience in both regulatory and legislative issues involving the business of insurance. He regularly participates in regulatory proceedings involving contested case hearings, contested rate hearings, policy form approvals, rulemaking, licensing, mergers, acquisition and dissolution of insurance companies and other regulatory matters before the Texas Department of Insurance. As a registered lobbyist, Jay has represented both the property/casualty and life, ac...

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...