Taylor Appling

John Zavitsanos is a highly regarded trial lawyer who loves trying cases and loves winning. He has achieved success for a multitude of clients – both defendants and plaintiffs, from big energy companies to lone whistleblowers battling the odds. He has tried almost 100 cases to verdict in litigation that runs the gamut: financial services, oil and gas, construction, complex commercial disputes, director and officer liability, non-compete and trade-secret disputes, real estate development...

Kelly Hartmann focuses on resolving client issues through innovative, cost-effective strategies that align with business goals—balancing aggressive litigation with practical resolution. He represents energy, maritime, and construction firms, their underwriters, and insurers, and handles complex litigation including wrongful death, Jones Act, drilling operations, health care, and trucking liability cases. Kelly also advises clients on contracts and commercial documents, including master ...

John Linker is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. John, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Pete T. Patterson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Banking and Finance. Pete T., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Pete T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Andrew P. Flint is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law. Andrew P., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Andrew P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Heather Peterson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Heather, 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 Heather is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jeffery B. Vaden is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Jeffery B., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jeffery B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brian’s practice focuses on complex litigation and appeals. He has litigated and appealed a wide variety of claims for clients in the petroleum, transportation, insurance, and construction industries, including contractual, commercial tort, catastrophic personal injury, and wrongful death claims. As an appellate advocate, Mr. Cathey is frequently engaged to assist clients in the trial court with preparing dispositive motions, jury charges, post-verdict motions, and providing trial assis...

Barron F. Wallace is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Finance Law, Energy Law and Public Finance Law. Barron F., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Barron F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

James Grogan is a partner in the Financial Restructuring group, based in Houston. He has a national reputation for successfully representing company and creditor clients in complex financial restructurings, bankruptcy cases, and out-of-court workouts. He focuses on solving his clients’ most challenging problems by designing and implementing negotiation and litigation strategies, and serving as lead trial counsel in bankruptcy disputes. Mr. Grogan recently led the Firm’s successful...