Wm. Andrew "Andy" Messer

Andrew B. Derman is a Partner and head of International Energy Practice Group for Thompson & Knight LLP and Chairman of Thompson & Knight Global Energy Services. He represents public and private companies and host governments in their strategic design, commercial execution, negotiations, contract preparation, and legal interpretation. Recent experience includes: acquisition and divestment efforts in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia; international finan...

Russell D. Cawyer is a partner and chairs the firm’s Labor and Employment Practice. He received his juris doctor, cum laude , from Texas Tech University School of Law, where he also served as a note editor on its law review. Mr. Cawyer received his Bachelor of Science, cum laude , from the University of North Texas. Mr. Cawyer’s practice focuses exclusively on labor and employment-related legal matters including litigation in federal and state courts and administrative proceedings...

Kenneth C. Riney is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Kenneth C., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kenneth C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Steven Hartsell is a registered patent attorney and focuses his practice on patent infringement litigation, patent licensing, and inter partes review proceedings. He has represented clients in federal courts across the country in cases involving a variety of technologies, including semiconductors, distributed agent architectures, cellular phones, telecommunications, software anti-piracy, medical devices, DVD and television controls, and optical systems. Steven also has extensive experience re...

James (Jim) Davis is a trial lawyer who helps businesses navigate complex disputes with practical, strategic guidance focused on efficient and cost-effective resolution. With more than 35 years of courtroom experience, Jim has handled significant matters in federal, state, and appellate courts throughout the United States, as well as in arbitration proceedings. Jim’s practice spans a broad range of complex commercial disputes, including commercial and financial transactions litigation, ...

Tim Newsom has built a reputation on careful study and the preparation required to win on behalf of his clients. He brings a broad range of trial experience to the Law Offices of Frank L. Branson, having tried personal injury and business litigation cases for over 30 years. Tim’s clients know that when they entrust their legal matters to him, their interests are the utmost priority. Tim began his legal career with a judicial clerkship at the Amarillo Court of Appeals. From there he ente...

Larry McFarland assists clients in commercial transactions, with a focus on development, investment, leasing and loan transactions. He has significant experience in loan documentation, regulatory advice, complex joint venture structuring, corporate governance and operational matters, leading his clients' efforts relating to office buildings, retail centers, industrial properties, multi-family projects, hospitality properties, residential subdivision, student housing, and mixed-use projects. A...

Bina Palnitkar is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Intellectual Property. Bina, who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Bina is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

W. Alan Wright is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. W. Alan, who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which W. Alan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ladd Hirsch is a solution-oriented trial attorney with more than 30 years of experience representing companies and high net worth business clients in complex litigation cases and arbitration matters. Ladd is tenacious and pragmatic in both the courtroom and boardroom in seeking results that meet his clients’ short and long-term business objectives. Ladd has extensive experience prosecuting and defending complex business litigation matters, including disputes involving claims for breach ...