Ryan M. Freel

Will’s practice focuses on commercial lending and financial transactions. He represents private equity funds, hedge funds and mezzanine funds, as well as corporate borrowers and investors, in connection with a wide variety of complex transactions, with a primary emphasis on: acquisition financings, first and second lien syndicated lending transactions with intercreditor relationships, structured financings with equity participations, complex restructurings, and financings and investment...

Laura Manion is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law. Laura practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Laura Manion since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Laura Manion is held by other lawyers.

John Schwambach focuses his practice on the trial and appeal of complex commercial disputes. Mr. Schwambach handles complex civil matters in both state and federal courts. He has briefed and argued many appeals and original proceedings in mandamus before Texas appellate courts, including the Texas Supreme Court and the First, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Thirteenth, and Fourteenth Courts of Appeals. Mr. Schwambach has also briefed and argued numerous pre-trial motions in...

Robert Vining is a partner in SBSB’s Houston office. A seasoned attorney with expertise spanning more than a dozen practice areas, he is a respected figure in his field who is admitted to the State Bar of Texas, the Louisiana State Bar Association, The Mississippi Bar and in nine U.S. District Courts across the Gulf Coast. Mr. Vining arrived to SBSB in February 2018 and has overseen a prolific law career of more than 28 years. He primarily splits his practice between litigation and tran...

Foster C. Johnson is a trial lawyer who focuses on complex commercial litigation. He has represented Fortune 100 companies in a variety civil actions, including contract disputes, oil and gas matters, non-compete claims, intellectual property litigation, and consumer and employment class actions. His recent successes include a six-week trial that ended in a $41.6 million jury verdict against Lloyd’s of London. The case was one of the top 100 2017 verdicts in the nation according to the ...

Clients and colleagues alike praise Susan Thomas’s ability to analyze complex scenarios, negotiate settlements, and provide clear, practical advice. Susan is a seasoned litigator, recognized as a team leader at Jordan, Lynch & Cancienne for her extensive experience in all aspects of litigation, from case development through trial. Susan’s practice has included the representation of companies in a wide range of commercial, premises liability, and mass tort litigation in both st...

Jesse P. Myers is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Jesse P. practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Jesse P. Myers since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Jesse P. Myers is held by other lawyers.

Garrett Brawley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Antitrust and Litigation - Trusts and Estates. Garrett, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Garrett is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area. Garrett is an experienced trial lawyer with significant wins for...

With nearly 30 years of experience, Terry D. Kernell assists clients in complex commercial litigation, although he often lends his experience and expertise in probate litigation and personal injury matters. Mr. Kernell has handled cases in federal and state courts as well as domestic and international arbitrations. His experience includes business contracts and torts, trade secrets, antitrust, and qui tam claims under the federal False Claims Act. He has served as lead counsel for individuals...

Kent Newsome serves as Chair of the firm's Houston Real Estate Practice. He has more than 25 years of experience that includes commercial real estate, real estate development, health care acquisitions and development, financing transactions, and general business law. Kent regularly represents owners and developers of commercial, retail and industrial properties in the acquisition, financing, development, leasing, management and sale of income producing properties, including office buildings, ...