Ryan M. Freel

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

Judge Moore co-leads AZA’s appellate practice group. He has prosecuted more than 100 appeals in state and federal courts. In one day in 2021, Judge Moore argued two governmental-immunity cases back-to-back in the Texas Supreme Court. He won both. The two cases he argued are City of San Antonio v. Armando D. Rioja and City of San Antonio v. Jimmy Maspero . Judge Moore is a go-to lawyer for high-stakes, high-profile, complex litigation. (He recently represented Ben & Jerry’s and...

A litigator with deep roots in banking and financial institutions law, William "Pat" Huttenbach brings formidable courtroom experience to every matter he handles. He has defended financial institutions against lawsuits totaling more than $250 million, litigated more than 335 cases involving UCC Articles 3, 4, and 4A, and has argued and won before the Texas Supreme Court — a record that places him among the most experienced payment systems and financial fraud litigators in Texas. License...

Peter C. Blomquist is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Peter C., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Peter C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Chris Hanno's success as a commercial real estate lawyer speaks for itself. He is Board Certified in Commercial Real Estate Law by the Texas board of Legal Specialization and has earned the trust of clients in all aspects of commercial real estate transactions. These include acquisition, financing, development and disposition of retail, multi-family and office properties, as well as condominium and homeowners' associations, and mobile home developments. Chris has an equally strong background ...

David Cole is a tax partner in the Houston office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. David focuses his practice on tax disputes with trial experience in both federal and state courts. The tax matters David has litigated include disputes with taxing authorities and between private parties. The clients David represents include large and small partnerships, public and private partnerships, corporations, and high net worth individuals. His clients operate across an array of industries, including privat...

Keith R. Derrington is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Patent Law. Keith R., 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 Keith R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David is a proven litigator. He is your lawyer, when it counts. Mr. Kirby devotes much of his practice to representing businesses in commercial litigation matters, personal injury claims, and is regularly retained to act as “outside general counsel” to advise businesses on contractual, insurance, and risk management issues. Licensed to practice law in Texas and California, Dave also represents individuals navigating the most trying times of their lives; individuals that have been ...

Jesse P. Myers is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Jesse P., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jesse P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Roger Aksamit serves as the Firm’s Houston Office Leader. In addition, he is a member of the Firm’s Strategic Lateral Hiring Committee and is involved with the Firm’s Diversity & Inclusion initiative. Roger specializes in energy and private equity taxation and counsels public, private equity, and closely held clients in mergers and acquisitions, financing, and joint venture transactions, as well as all other aspects of transactional tax matters and planning. He is Board ...