R. Douglas Noah, Jr.

For over two decades, Kirsten M. Castañeda has briefed and argued state and federal appeals and original proceedings that raise issues critical to businesses and industries across Texas and the nation. In pursuing appellate relief, she never loses sight of the fact that every appeal involves more than just the law. Learning a client’s business and ultimate goals allows Kirsten to craft legal arguments and strategy that serve not only the case at hand, but also the client’s ...

An accomplished trial lawyer, Darren Nicholson has been trying cases in state and federal courts for more than twenty years. After beginning his career at Arnold & Porter LLP in Washington D.C., one of the country’s premier law firms, he returned to Dallas in 2008 and became a partner at the nationally-recognized trial boutique Sayles Werbner PC. Darren joined Burns Charest LLP in 2019 with one goal in mind – to help build one of the premier trial firms in the country. Darren&...

Christopher M. LaVigne is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Christopher M., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2017. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John Barcus is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. John, 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 John is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Scott Summy is the leader of the Environmental Litigation Group (ELG) and a shareholder at Baron & Budd. ELG was started by Mr. Summy in 2002 and is comprised of 30 attorneys and support professionals who concentrate on large environmental litigation across the country. In 2020, Law360 recognized ELG with its highly prestigious Practice Group of the Year awards for the United States in the category of Environmental Law. Mr. Summy has served both in court-appointed leadership positions and...

Stephen M. Halbeisen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law and Insurance Law. Stephen M., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stephen M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Christopher M. Farish is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Collaborative Law: Family Law and Family Law. Christopher M., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kevin Vela is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Gaming Law. Kevin, 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 Kevin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Lawrence (Larry) B. Mandala is a member of the Munck Wilson Mandala executive committee and chairman of the corporate law group. He has over 35 years of experience representing public and private companies in a wide range of corporate and business transactions. His corporate finance practice includes private placements, IPOs and secondary public offerings of equity, debt, direct participation and hybrid securities. Larry has extensive experience representing clients in business acquisitions, ...

Bill Banowsky focuses his practice on complex business litigation and arbitration, securities litigation, and corporate governance investigations. He also represents national and international energy industry clients in various disputes involving contract rights and business torts. In recent years, he has become involved in numerous disputes representing healthcare providers including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, medical device suppliers, physician groups and ancillary providers. Mr...