Sanford G. "Sandy" Hooper

Nicholas Earles is a partner in SBSB’s Houston office and has been a knowledgeable resource in the maritime space for more than 20 years. While his practice focuses in admiralty, his experience also extends to general and premises liability, workers’ compensation, subrogation and transportation. Additionally, he has navigated difficult cases for energy companies and overseas defense contractors covered by the Defense Base Act. A member of SBSB’s original roster in February 2...

Bob Collie serves as bond, disclosure, and underwriters’ counsel in tax-exempt bond transactions for clients including cities, counties, school districts, and special authorities throughout Texas. He has also worked on education, transportation, utility, aviation, port, convention center, and sports facility financings. Bob draws on his experience as City Attorney of Houston to represent local governments as special counsel in joint public/private development, election, redistricting, a...

Rachel Sedita is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Rachel, 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 Rachel is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Cory M. Curtis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law. Cory M., 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 Cory M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Rob Carty has been litigating cases for more than 30 years. During that time, he has handled a wide range of disputes and developed extensive courtroom experience. He began his legal career in the United States Air Force, serving four years as a judge advocate. After his military service, Rob spent years working within the corporate legal environment, gaining firsthand insight into how large companies and insurance carriers evaluate and defend claims. That background informs his approach toda...

Thomas Deen is a partner in SBSB’s Corpus Christi and Houston offices. Over a career spanning more than 40 years in maritime law, he has developed a reputation for client service. As a litigator, arbitrator and counsel, he represents clients in other areas including construction, energy, transportation, business transactions and more. A member of SBSB Eastham since September 2016, Tom is a certified arbitrator and is a past Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Houston Maritime Arb...

Susan McLerran’s practice encompasses a broad array of family law matters, with a focus on complex divorce proceedings involving marital property characterization, valuation and division, business valuation, taxation, issues related to retirement assets, stock options, restricted stock and employee benefits, and conservatorship, visitation and child support matters, pre-marital and post-marital agreements, and suits regarding modification and enforcement of court orders. Susan’s e...

Mary Pace Livingstone represents defendants in a wide range of complex commercial circumstances in both state and federal courts. She joined the firm in August 2009. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Livingstone clerked for the Honorable Chief Justice Adele Hedges of the Texas Court of Appeals, First District and was an associate with Bracewell & Giuliani, LLP. Obtained dismissal in state court for a director of an oil and gas company in case involving negligent misrepresentation, fraud, and...

R. Daniel Witschey, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Securities / Capital Markets Law. R. Daniel, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 1987. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which R. Daniel is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.