Samer M. "Sam" Zabaneh

Gary Zausmer has over 35 years of experience in litigation and client representation in multiple areas, including contract, fraud, real estate, energy, insurance, regulatory, health, technology, and financial disputes. His trial, arbitration, and appellate record includes the defense, prosecution, and favorable disposition of contract and tort cases in state and federal courts, including published decisions in favor of his clients. Gary also counsels clients on developing litigation success a...

Paula K. Lear is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Paula K. practices law in Austin, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Paula K. Lear since 2027. 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 Paula K. Lear is held by other lawyers.

Kristen A. Algert is a Board-Certified family law Partner at Goranson Bain Ausley in Austin and one of the most peer-distinguished collaborative law practitioners in Texas. She has been included in The Best Lawyers in America© in the fields of Family Law, Family Law Mediation, and Collaborative Law: Family Law continuously since 2007, representing nearly two decades of sustained peer recognition. Best Lawyers has named Kris “Lawyer of the Year” in Austin for Collaborative Law...

David Shank is a trial lawyer at Scott Douglass & McConnico LLP in Austin, Texas, representing plaintiffs and defendants in complex commercial litigation matters in federal and state courts and in arbitration proceedings across the country. His practice includes disputes involving trade secret misappropriation, securities fraud, class actions, business torts, contract disputes, and matters involving rare and valuable art. David regularly serves as first-chair trial counsel and has substan...

Conor M. Civins is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Intellectual Property, Litigation - Patent, Patent Law, Trade Secrets Law and Trademark Law. Conor M. practices law in Austin, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Conor M. Civins since 2012. 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 Conor ...

Kristiana Butler is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and a partner at Goranson Bain Ausley in Austin. With over 13 years practicing exclusively in family law, Kristiana has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America for Family Law, Collaborative Law, and Family Law Mediation (2024–2025), named to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Family Law (2020–2023), named a Texas Super Lawyers Rising Star (2017–2023), named by Texas Super Lawyers (20...

James E. Mann is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Energy Regulatory Law and Oil and Gas Law. James E. practices law in Austin, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized James E. Mann since 2013. 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 James E. Mann is held by other lawyers.

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/

For more than 25 years Matt Bair has advised companies, investors and entrepreneurs in connection with venture capital investments and debt financings, acquisitions and divestitures, startup formation and exit transactions, board governance matters, strategic alliances, and technology-based transactions, including software licensing and services agreements. Mr. Bair draws on his broad professional experiences to address client needs, having served for ten years as general counsel to two start...

Steven Highlander’s practice focuses on portfolio management for universities, non-profits and small to mid-sized corporate clients. Preparation and filing of patent applications, as well as prosecution of these cases, makes up the bulk of his docket. He also has considerable opinion experience for patentability, validity, infringement and inventorship disputes. Dr. Highlander has also been involved in over 20 interference proceedings, including several garnering Federal Circuit review....