Royce J. "R.J." Watts II

Brad M. LaMorgese is trusted and respected by his clients as a passionate advocate with the ability to analyze and balance competing interests in every matter he handles, from beginning to end. He is one of the few appellate family lawyers in Texas. During his nearly two decades in practice, he has achieved success in dozens of cases in Texas appeals courts and the Texas Supreme Court, as well as the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. He has handled appeals involving all areas of Family Law, ...

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. ...

Bradley L. Whitlock is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Bradley L., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2005. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Bradley L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Darren Hauck is partner-in-charge of the firm’s Dallas office. He concentrates his practice on domestic and international mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, outsourcings and other large commercial transactions, with an emphasis on technology and the travel and travel service industries. Darren’s practice has involved a wide variety of complex transactions, often involving three or more negotiating parties of more than one nationality. He also has advised clients on the crea...

Practice Areas Commercial & Business Litigation Temporary Restraining Orders & Temporary Injunctions Professional Liability Legal Malpractice & Legal Ethics Disqualification Disputes Appellate Practice Emphasis Carol helps businesses and individuals solve their commercial legal problems, everything from addressing disputes before a lawsuit is filed to aggressively pursuing full-blown litigation and trials. A lawyer for more than 20 years, Carol is experienced, creative, tough and ...

Michael D. Emerson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law. Michael D., 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 Michael D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jera L. Bradshaw is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Financial Services Regulation Law. Jera L., 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 Jera L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

Mr. Agraz has experience helping a broad spectrum of clients with union, safety and health, and employment challenges. He represents clients in diverse industries during union organizing attempts and litigation before the NLRB. Additionally, he guides management through occupational safety and health compliance inspections and represents management exclusively in litigation before OSHA and other administrative agencies. He works with top company officials and first-line supervisory staff to b...

Jonathan Kidwell leads Kirkland’s Global Environmental Practice on energy and infrastructure matters. Previously honored as both an “MVP of the Year” and a “Rising Star” by Law360 , Jonathan is also recognized by The Legal 500 U.S. as “a key name,” “crucial in the growth of [Kirkland’s] environmental practice in Texas” and “among the most commercial environmental attorneys in the market.” Jonathan’s clients rely on ...