Shannon N. Smith

Shawn Bates has more than 22 years of practice in commercial litigation in the energy industry and across numerous other industries. He is a seasoned first-chair trial lawyer, handling cases worth tens of millions. He has conducted hundreds of depositions and supervised trial teams on matters of varying size. He focuses his practice on litigation and arbitration of complex disputes for clients in the energy sector (oil and gas companies, oilfield supply and support companies, pipeline builder...

José R. Pérez, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Immigration Law. José R., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which José R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Mr. West is the Managing partner, of West Mermis PLLC. He is in his 30th year of practice handling cases all over the State of Texas. His practice includes complex commercial litigation, construction defect litigation, business litigation and worksite accidents. He is AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest rating in legal ability & ethical standards. This year he was again named both as a Super Lawyer and one of Texas’ Top Rated Lawyers. He was also named as a Best Law...

Steve R. Borgman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property. Steve R., 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 Steve R. 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.

Jonathan began his education at Abilene Christian University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science, highest honors, from the Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Department in 2004. There he distinguished himself as a Jack Pope Fellow, student body president, SGA Treasurer and as a leader for a variety of other student organizations. He was also honored with the University Scholar Award, Trustee Award, Young American Award, and National Eagle Scout Scholarship. In addition, he was s...

Ms. Barger has experience in both trial and appellate matters. In private practice, she has assisted in or handled all phases of litigation for a wide variety of clients involved in insurance defense and coverage, products liability, premises liability, personal injury, and commercial lawsuits in state and federal court. While at the Fourteenth Court of Appeals, she researched legal and factual issues, made recommendations to the judges, and assisted the judges in drafting and editing opinion...

W. Cleland Dade is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law, Energy Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. W. Cleland, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which W. Cleland is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Biography His broad-based legal experience includes presiding as a municipal court judge of the City of Houston, a state district judge of both a Civil and Family District Courts, and served as assistant attorney general for the State of Texas and briefing clerk for the Honorable Judge Ingraham, Federal District Judge for the Southern District of Texas. He has extensive experience in civil trials and appeals involving complex litigation and family law cases. His mediation experience includes ...