Stephen A. Dwyer

Brian E. Simmons focuses on all facets of intellectual property law, including patent and trade secret litigation; patent counseling; due diligence investigations for investments, acquisitions, and divestitures; technology transfers, joint developments, and other research agreements; licenses; transactions involving IP; and risk consulting. Mr. Simmons has represented clients in a variety of matters in the chemical arts after serving as a senior research chemist prior to practicing law. His e...

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...

Jesse Pierce has more than fifty years of litigation experience and has tried many types of cases in state and federal courts of Texas and other states. He is licensed to practice in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. He specializes in trials of complex energy and commercial cases. Mr. Pierce is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Mr. Pierce is a member of Litigation Counsel of America, a trial-lawyer honorary society composed of less...

Katherine Odom Sermas is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Katherine Odom, 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 Katherine Odom is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

James Prappas has over 30 years’ experience representing businesses, families and individuals concerning employment-based immigration, family-based immigration and naturalization matters. He regularly assists corporate clients secure the best talent from around the globe to achieve business goals. As a Board-Certified specialist, James advises Fortune 500, middle market and emerging companies in U.S. immigration matters relating to the energy, manufacturing and service industries. Clien...

William A. Wood III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation - Bankruptcy. William A., 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 William A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Your lawyer should know the courtroom (and, for many business disputes, full-blown arbitration hearing action) if you want to know the worth of your case. Yet many lawyers have little or no trial experience. I have that experience – in a diverse array of matters, including energy and technology, corporate fiduciary, securities, executive compensation, banking, and real estate. Nothing but trial work sharpens a lawyer’s professional judgment, handling of hard questions, or accounta...

Andrew Gould leads the appellate practice at Hicks Johnson PLLC, a litigation boutique with offices in Houston and Chicago. An award-winning former federal appellate prosecutor, Andrew regularly advocates in state and federal appellate courts nationwide. He has served as lead counsel in some 270 appeals and has conducted over 40 oral arguments, including over 25 before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He also often appears at the trial-court level to assist with complex motion...

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

Tim Strickland is a trial partner in the Houston office of Kean Miller , where he represents clients in Admiralty and Maritime Law and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants. Based in Houston, Texas, he has practiced law for more than 33 years across Texas and the Gulf Coast. His background includes service as managing partner of the Houston office of a multi-state maritime litigation firm before joining Kean Miller in 2021. His practice focuses on offshore energy and marine litigation...