Ryan Beard

David J. Klein is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative / Regulatory Law. David J., who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mark Stratton has broad experience in the areas of commercial, partnership, oil and gas, real estate, transportation, securities, construction, products liability, professional liability and personal injury litigation. Mark is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has tried more than 50 cases to verdict in both state and federal courts, including some of the most challenging jurisdictions in the country. He has also argued cases before the Supreme C...

For over a decade before joining ADJ Rachel Ekery served as staff attorney for Chief Justice Wallace B. Jefferson at the Supreme Court of Texas. Previously, Ekery was an associate at Baker Botts LLP in Dallas and a shareholder at Scott Hulse PC in El Paso, Texas, where she focused on business litigation and appellate matters. She earned her undergraduate degree, cum laude, from Duke University and her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where she was an editor of ...

Mr. Knisely is a partner of Osborne, Helman, Scott, Knisely & Stanton, LLP. His practice involves representing individuals and institutions in fiduciary litigation, including primarily trust, estate and guardianship disputes. Mr. Knisely also advises fiduciaries and beneficiaries with regard to complex and contentious trust and estate administrations. In addition, he handles appeals of a wide array of civil matters in both state and federal courts, with a focus on appeals involving trust,...

Christopher Sileo is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Oil and Gas Law. Christopher, who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ruth Ruggero Hughs, former Texas Secretary of State, is a partner at Kelly Hart’s Austin office and co-chair’s the firm’s Public Law group. Her practice is focused on Public Law, assisting businesses to manage the intersection of law, policy and government, including advising on international transactions and trade matters, government procurement, energy regulatory and policy matters, corporate governance and crisis counseling, federal and state regulatory matters, and publi...

Margaret J. Sampson, PhD, focuses her practice on global, strategic intellectual property transactions and patent counseling surrounding the areas of life sciences, pharmaceuticals, research tools and medical devices. Life sciences and technology clients turn to her for evaluating, structuring, negotiating and documenting major transactions. Read full biography: https://www.mwe.com/people/margaret-j-sampson-phd/

Christopher M. Weimer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trademark Law. Christopher M., who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2019. 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.

Cara Mittleman Kelly is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Real Estate. Cara Mittleman, who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Cara Mittleman is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Steve Meleen has specialized in trademark law since he began his career with Arnold White & Durkee in 1996. Steve handles all aspects of trademark and unfair competition law, and primarily focuses on trademark litigation. He is also experienced in copyright counseling and litigation. Steve has been actively involved in internet developments and policies affecting trademark owners, and devotes a significant portion of his practice to internet-related trademark issues. He has served as Chai...