Shane S. Sullivan

Jason S. McManis is a partner at AZA and the head of AZA’s intellectual property group. He is a skilled trial lawyer with extensive experience in front of the jury in courtrooms across the United States. IAM Patent 1000 ranks Mr. McManis as a leading patent litigator and highlights that he “is often brought in to take over cases from previous counsel” while commending his ability to “adapt to changing circumstances with alacrity.” Mr. McManis represents both plai...

John B. Thomas is the co-founder of Houston-based commercial litigation boutique Hicks Thomas LLP. Known for his deep experience in handling complex commercial litigation, Mr. Thomas and the firm’s lawyers represent both defendants and plaintiffs in lawsuits involving oil and gas, securities, environmental matters, banking, transportation, intellectual property and health care. Mr. Thomas has been named to Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Lawyers in America and Lawdragon’s 500 Leadin...

Kent Hanszen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Real Estate Law. Kent, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kent is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Caroline Cho is an Associate in the Tax Planning and Business Transactions Section.

Scott Fletcher is one of the leading securities litigation and enforcement attorneys in the country. He represents institutions and individuals in securities, commercial, and bankruptcy litigation; government enforcement actions; and internal investigations. Before forming his own firm, Scott was co-head of the securities litigation and enforcement groups at Jones Day and at Vinson & Elkins. For more than 30 years he has represented clients in matters ranging from routine securities litig...

Joshua Mermis’ focus is on litigation relating to construction, energy, product liability and business law. He has extensive experience conducting both jury and bench trials, as well as arbitrations. His litigation experience is broad, ranging from homeowner claims to multimillion dollar commercial projects throughout Texas. Joshua represents domestic and international companies including developers, general contractors, subcontractors, product and equipment manufacturers, as well as in...

Patrice Pujol is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Patrice, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Patrice is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brenda Granderson Hicks is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Immigration Law. Brenda Granderson, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brenda Granderson is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jerry Metcalf focuses his practice on the representation of lenders, borrowers, and privately held companies in a wide variety of both domestic and international transactions. He regularly advises financial institutions and borrowers on structuring and documenting senior and subordinated debt financings secured by or involving accounts, inventory, equipment, real estate, marine vessels, and aircraft. Jerry also frequently represents companies in structuring and implementing purchase and sale ...

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, ...