Rachel H. Stinson

Bill Benitez is a partner in the Houston office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. His practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, equity investments, recapitalizations, joint ventures and corporate governance, with a particular emphasis on the energy and infrastructure sector. Clients have described Bill as a “great practitioner” who provides “incredible client service” in connection with his recognition in various industry publications, including Chambers Global, The Wor...

Hugh M. Ray III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Energy Law and Oil and Gas Law. Hugh M., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Hugh M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stephen Pate focuses his litigation practice on property insurance matters, Directors and Officers insurance matters, business interruption issues, CGL insurance matters, builders risk matters, commercial general liability insurance disputes, fraud, and various other extracontractual litigation matters. Over a 30 year career in coverage work, he has tried more than 45 first-party extracontractual cases to verdict. Prior to joining the firm, Stephen had been partner in the Houston office of an...

Richard F. Whiteley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property. Richard F., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Richard F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Rick is a Director in the Real Estate section of Coats Rose, and also serves as Managing Director and President of the Firm. He has represented numerous real estate developers in the development of all types of commercial and residential projects in Texas and other states. Rick has particular expertise in the development of master-planned residential communities and, among other projects, has been involved with the Coles Crossing, Silverlake, Sienna Plantation, First Colony, Fall Creek, Cross...

R. Todd Bennett is a criminal defense attorney based in Houston, Texas and the founder of R. Todd Bennett PC. His practice focuses on general criminal defense and white-collar matters, representing individuals facing serious allegations in state and federal courts . He brings a steady and measured approach to cases that often carry high stakes for clients and their families. Mr. Bennett’s work centers on defending clients accused of complex financial crimes, fraud allegations and other ...

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

John J. Kane is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation - Bankruptcy. John J., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

The first and foremost objective of Lee’s practice is to provide innovative and value-driven solutions to the litigation-related problems facing clients. This objective has been successfully achieved through direct and open communication with the client, early and immediate assessment of the issues, strategic evaluation of the problem and its solution, aggressive representation, and reliance upon Lee’s trial experience. A significant focus of Lee’s practice relates to the re...

Noelle M. Reed has extensive experience representing clients in complex litigation in state and federal trial and appellate courts and arbitrations. Ms. Reed was a trial attorney with the Department of Justice’s Terrorism and Violent Crime Division and an assistant United States attorney in the Southern District of Texas. As a prosecutor, she handled criminal cases involving terrorism, public corruption, fraud, organized crime, drug trafficking, money laundering, environmental violation...