Steve D. Shadowen

Ryan P. Bates focuses on appellate and complex commercial litigation, which includes serving as lead counsel in numerous appellate matters before the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Fifth, Sixth, and Tenth Circuits, as well as courts across Texas. Prior to his legal career, Mr. Bates spent years working as an information technology specialist for companies across various industries while leading software development and consulting projects. He previously served as a ...

Judith approaches family law matters with a practical mindset focused on reducing unnecessary conflict. By identifying and narrowing disputed issues early, she helps clients save time, emotional strain, and legal expense. This approach reflects what matters most to Judith: allowing clients to preserve their resources and focus on what will truly affect their future. As a happily married mother and grandmother, she brings a grounded perspective to guiding clients through divorce and related fa...

Brenda L. Clayton is a partner at Kelly Hart whose practice sits at the intersection of environmental, energy, and appellate law. Based in Austin, she guides clients through complex state and federal regulatory frameworks governing waste, water, and natural resources. Brenda’s environmental practice spans high-stakes litigation—including CERCLA actions and federal citizen suits—as well as compliance counseling under major statutory frameworks like RCRA and the Clean Water Ac...

Kevin has been in practice for 34 years. He joined Cooper & Scully in 2018 as the managing shareholder for their newly created Austin office after concluding 20 years as a founding shareholder of Uzick & Oncken. He has tried to jury verdict, more than 100 cases across Texas. Kevin has often been asked to step into cases outside of Texas via Pro Hac Vice. While the majority of his practice has focused on the defense of medical negligence cases, Kevin has also successfully represented p...

Rudy K. Metayer is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Administrative / Regulatory Law. Rudy K. practices law in Austin, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Rudy K. Metayer since 2024. 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 Rudy K. Metayer is held by other lawyers.

Gary serves as first chair counsel for many clients and has successfully tried cases in various states for vehicle manufacturers, aircraft companies, energy companies, minority shareholders, will contestants, an NBA basketball player, and so forth. He commonly serves as regional or national counsel for some clients. While specializing in some tort areas, he assists clients with virtually all types of civil and regulatory issues.

Elizabeth Ross Hadley is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Administrative / Regulatory Law, Government Relations Practice and Insurance Law. Elizabeth Ross practices law in Austin, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Elizabeth Ross Hadley since 2021. 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 Elizabeth Ross Hadley is held by ot...

Travis is an administrative Law attorney, specializing in utilities, natural resources and environmental, and commercial cases. For 14 years, Travis served as an Administrative Law Judge at the State Office of Administrative Hearings, where he presided over and assisted with the management of both utility team Administrative Law Judges and non-team ALJs on utility matters. While at SOAH, Travis conducted hearings and mediations in complex contested cases, with a focus on utility and business ...

Nathan Vassar is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Water Law. Nathan practices law in Austin, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Nathan Vassar since 2026. 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 Nathan Vassar is held by other lawyers.

W. Stephen Benesh is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Banking and Finance and Litigation - Construction. W. Stephen practices law in Austin, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized W. Stephen Benesh since 2009. 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 W. Stephen Ben...