Rhonda S. Cleaves

Ashley E. Johnson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. Ashley 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 Ashley E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ali Ohlinger is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Ali, 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 Ali is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

James Peacock is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law and Litigation - Health Care. James, 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 James is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Christine Demana is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Christine, 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 Christine is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

We are in a battle for the future of our democracy. The frontline is the courtroom. Sounds dramatic, doesn’t it? Maybe a little heavy-handed? I write and speak like this because it matters. And I care. At our founding, Thomas Jefferson said this: “I consider trial by jury as the only anchor ever yet imagined by man, by which government can be held to the principles of its constitution.” Access to our courts is the bedrock of our democracy. But the truth is that the civil jus...

With a practice devoted to all facets of commercial restructuring and reorganization, John Mitchell has significant experience with complex bankruptcies, out-of-court workouts and sales, voluntary liquidations, asset sales, and general insolvency related litigation. He represents lenders, creditors, debtors, trustees, and committees across the United States in receiverships, assignments for the benefit of creditors, and asset sales. John advises clients in the energy, oil and gas, power, food...

Dee J. Kelly is a partner at Kelly Hart & Hallman and served as the firm’s managing partner from 2005-2016. He is a member of the firm’s Litigation and Administrative Law practice groups and serves on its executive committee. Mr. Kelly represents corporate and individual clients in a wide variety of business litigation in state and federal courts. Mr. Kelly also provides advice and representation to clients with matters pending before governmental and administrative bodies. U....

Mike Gruber's practice primarily involves business litigation defense, although he has also posted a number of very large verdicts, judgments and settlements. He is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and co-authored the two volume treatise “Texas Litigation Plans and Forms.” Mr. Gruber is active in a number of civic and professional organizations, and recently the Award of Excellence by the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers for his ser...

A fourth generation attorney, Debbie Dudley Branson is a key member of The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson, one of the most respected trial firms in the Southwest. Her work focuses on high-level litigation strategy in a broad array of cases, from catastrophic personal injury claims to complex commercial litigation. Holding an advanced degree in psychology, Ms. Branson also directs focus groups, attitudinal surveys, voir dire, witness preparation, argument, and jury debriefing. Additionally, B...