William Cowan

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

Dara Hegar is the Managing Attorney of The Lanier Law Firm. She represents clients in each of the firm’s practice areas with a focus on trial coordination in complex litigation matters. While Mrs. Hegar’s proficiency spans across all of the firm’s practice areas, her specialty is providing specific insight that has resulted in many significant verdicts and settlements. She played a key role in the firm’s courtroom victories for years, including the $253 million verdict...

Michael Piazza is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law, Energy Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Oil and Gas Law. Michael, 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 Michael is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joshua Mermis’ focus is on litigation relating to construction, energy, product liability and business law. He has extensive experience conducting both jury and bench trials, as well as arbitrations. His litigation experience is broad, ranging from homeowner claims to multimillion dollar commercial projects throughout Texas. Joshua represents domestic and international companies including developers, general contractors, subcontractors, product and equipment manufacturers, as well as in...

Kenneth Held is an experienced trial attorney who focuses his practice on business litigation in state and federal courts, arbitration and regulatory enforcement matters, with a particular emphasis on securities litigation, energy litigation and class action defense. His clients range from individuals to publicly traded and privately held companies, as well as private equity firms and hedge funds. Mr. Held has significant experience in securities litigation and defending corporate and individ...

Laura Manion is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law. Laura, 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 Laura is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Dewey J. Gonsoulin Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law and Oil and Gas Law. Dewey J., 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 Dewey J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Dick Wynne is a partner in Winston & Strawn’s Houston office whose practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, securities, and representing management groups. His clients have included boards of directors and their committees, investment banks, private equity firms and their portfolio investment companies, and companies operating in a variety of industries. Dick has handled hundreds of private company acquisitions and divestitures, with particular experience in the...

Ty Sponsel III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Ty, 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 Ty is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Charles H. Still, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law and Securities Regulation. Charles H., 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 Charles H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.