Thomas Wade Orsak PhD

Eric Nichols practices both civil trial and criminal law, and joined the Austin office of Butler Snow in 2019. His background includes not only many years representing companies and individuals in private practice but also experience in both Texas state government and the federal government, having served as Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice for the Office of the Texas Attorney General, as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, and a law clerk to a ...

Mike Slack focuses on the most challenging and demanding areas of civil litigation, including aviation law and product liability cases against major corporations. A licensed pilot and former NASA aerospace engineer, Mike combines his technical knowledge and skills with his extensive litigation and trial experience for the benefit of his clients. Mike's legal experience includes more than 36 years and litigating hundreds of lawsuits arising from catastrophic injuries and deaths due to unsafe p...

Carolyn Shellman is a highly skilled attorney, an excellent communicator, and an effective leader. She is experienced at developing regulatory and legislative policy strategies for renewable and disruptive technologies in the energy industry and provides advice on complex energy transactions. Carolyn is also experienced with governance and compliance issues and possesses deep subject matter expertise in the electric utility industry and in navigating energy market issues. She helps market par...

Sarah A. Nicolas is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Sarah A., who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sarah A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

Guiding You Through Divorce, Ethically and Diligently Kristiana Butler on Your Family and Your Future: Whether through Collaborative Law or the traditional litigation model, I work with clients to develop personalized solutions for a new and better normal. I help clients prioritize goals, generate options, and explore long-term solutions with respect and support. From LGBTQIA+ parenting to buyouts of business interests, I provide a thoughtful and empathetic approach to protecting the people a...

Maria Elena Bickerton is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. Maria Elena, who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Maria Elena is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jim Richardson is one of the state's leading trial lawyers in complex commercial litigation. His practice focuses on complex commercial disputes involving fiduciary litigation, multi-jurisdictional matters, and business tort claims. Jim is ranked in Chambers USA 2026 for Litigation: General Commercial – Texas, Austin & Surrounds, published by Chambers & Partners . Chambers describes him as "an amazing trial lawyer" and "skilled advocate" – "resourceful, diligent, courteous...

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

Derek practices administrative and regulatory law with a focus on environmental permitting and enforcement. With more than 30 years of regulatory and legislative experience, Derek assists clients with a wide range of matters, including Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) contested case hearings and regulatory compliance, water supply and water rights, air, water, waste, and wastewater discharge permitting.Derek previously held roles as General Counsel of the TCEQ, Counsel to form...