Preston Bernhisel

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. ...

Barry L. Hardin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Barry L., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Barry L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Maeghan E. Whitehead is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property. Maeghan E., 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 Maeghan E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ryan practices family law out of a commitment to achieving fair and equitable outcomes while also preserving as much financial stability for clients and their children as possible. Emphasizing planning and preparation, he ensures that clients are ready for any scenario so they can confidently and successfully resolve their family law matters. Ryan is a skilled litigator and strong negotiator; he regularly obtains favorable settlements without ever stepping foot in the courthouse. Ryan works w...

Haleigh has broad commercial litigation experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants at every stage of lawsuits involving real estate, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, business divorce, personal injury and tort litigation, and aviation. Haleigh has distinguished herself as an associate by her maturity in the courtroom. She has briefed and argued motions at every stage of litigation, deposed fact and expert witnesses, successfully mediated disputes at their infanc...

Thomas Laughlin is one of the founding partners of the Dallas office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Thomas regularly represents clients in mergers and acquisitions (including controlling investments, preferred equity and other minority investments, and SPAC transactions), divestitures, joint ventures, debt and equity financings, restructurings and other corporate matters. Thomas has broad experience across many industries, but in particular, he has focused his practice representing clients in t...

David M. Lange is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mergers and Acquisitions Law. David M., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Clay is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Clay has practiced solely in the field of catastrophic injury and wrongful death since graduating from law school. His practice has been limited to the representation of victims. Over the past twenty years, Clay has successfully settled or tried to verdict cases in the areas of vehicular negligence, medical malpractice, construction site accidents, workplace injury, premises liability, and commerc...

Richard is the Head of the Dallas Litigation Practice Group. He is an experienced trial lawyer who has first-chaired dozens of complex cases in state and federal courts, arbitrations and other proceedings—many of which he joined as trial counsel at the 11th hour. His extensive courtroom experience includes cases involving product and environmental liability, trade secrets, breach of fiduciary duty, insurance coverage, False Claims Act allegations, partnership disputes and other business...

Recognizing that divorce is a difficult time and often involves the division of an estate, Thomas Goranson applies a keen understanding to marital assets and how they can be valued and divided to achieve maximum benefit to the client. Befitting the founder of the firm, Tom also brings a certain stature to his cases that supports the client’s goals in the proceedings. With an eye toward preserving assets rather than destroying them, Tom offers clients a thorough analysis and creative but...