S. Priya Coffey

Dara Hegar is the Managing Attorney of The Lanier Law Firm. She represents clients in each of the firm’s practice areas with a focus on trial coordination in complex litigation matters. While Mrs. Hegar’s proficiency spans across all of the firm’s practice areas, her specialty is providing specific insight that has resulted in many significant verdicts and settlements. She played a key role in the firm’s courtroom victories for years, including the $253 million verdict...

Timothy W. Strickland is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Admiralty and Maritime Law and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Timothy W., 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 Timothy W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Cristy C. Edwards is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Public Finance Law. Cristy C., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Cristy C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

As a real estate attorney, Tania Hovel’s practice focuses primarily on commercial transactions. She regularly handles complex matters related to retail, office and industrial leasing, finance, sales and development, acquisitions, and general corporate matters. Over the years she has provided counsel and representation for franchises, developers, family-owned businesses, high-net worth individuals, and private firms and investors in the preparation and negotiation of various types of agr...

Mark R. “Tiger” Pharr III has represented clients for more than 35 years in a wide range of matters, including construction defect, premises liability, insurance defense, personal injury, professional liability, and trucking. Tiger’s litigation practice includes jury trials, bench trials, mediations, and arbitrations, and he has handled appeals before state and federal courts. His experience also includes acting as a mediator and arbitrator in civil cases. Explore Tiger&rsqu...

Lauren Black is a partner in the firm’s Litigation Practice Group with more than a decade of experience handling a diverse array of matters. While her practice is “industry agnostic,” she has represented clients in the energy, construction, manufacturing, healthcare, shipping, technology, and logistics industries. Lauren has achieved favorable results for clients facing all aspects of civil litigation, from a strategic approach to early dispute resolution to a favorable sett...

David Merkley is a board-certified trial lawyer and Co-Chair of the firm’s litigation group and trial team. He is frequently retained in high-profile catastrophic accident cases to assume the defense or to navigate through complicated discovery issues leading to trial. He has tried dozens of cases to verdict and has been involved in several record-setting settlements for companies seeking to avoid the publicity of a jury trial. David is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates ...

Luis Fabrega is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Luis, 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 Luis is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

A. Martin Wickliff, Jr. is a member of the firm's Labor & Employment Group in the Houston office; he joined the firm June 1, 2011. His experience has involved companies in such diverse industries as energy, retail, chemical, grocery, railroad, airline, clothing, wholesale, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, transportation, financial services, insurance, sales, health care, banking, entertainment, restaurant, construction, and hospitality. Marty is a veteran trial lawyer, and 100% of his time ...