Best Lawyers in Texas, United States for Administrative / Regulatory Law

Lauren J. Kalisek is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative / Regulatory Law. Lauren J., 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 Lauren J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Elizabeth Ross Hadley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative / Regulatory Law, Government Relations Practice and Insurance Law. Elizabeth Ross, 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 Elizabeth Ross is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ruth Ruggero Hughs, former Texas Secretary of State, is a partner at Kelly Hart’s Austin office and co-chair’s the firm’s Public Law group. Her practice is focused on Public Law, assisting businesses to manage the intersection of law, policy and government, including advising on international transactions and trade matters, government procurement, energy regulatory and policy matters, corporate governance and crisis counseling, federal and state regulatory matters, and publi...

Andrew Weber, who previously served as Texas First Assistant Attorney General under now-Governor Greg Abbott, is currently a partner at Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP. At the firm, he heads the Austin office and Co-Chairs the Public Law practice group, which provides legal guidance to clients on matters at the intersection of law, policy, and politics before state agencies and the Legislature. Governor Abbott, when he was the Texas Attorney General, appointed Mr. Weber as his First Assistant in...

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...

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...

Rick Nemer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative / Regulatory Law. Rick, who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Rick is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kate Norman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative / Regulatory Law, Energy Law and Energy Regulatory Law. Kate, who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kate is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Dee J. Kelly is a partner at Kelly Hart & Hallman and served as the firm’s managing partner from 2005-2016. He is a member of the firm’s Litigation and Administrative Law practice groups and serves on its executive committee. Mr. Kelly represents corporate and individual clients in a wide variety of business litigation in state and federal courts. Mr. Kelly also provides advice and representation to clients with matters pending before governmental and administrative bodies. U....

Mark A. Santos is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative / Regulatory Law, Energy Law and Energy Regulatory Law. Mark A., who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mark A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jay A. Thompson has considerable experience in both regulatory and legislative issues involving the business of insurance. He regularly participates in regulatory proceedings involving contested case hearings, contested rate hearings, policy form approvals, rulemaking, licensing, mergers, acquisition and dissolution of insurance companies and other regulatory matters before the Texas Department of Insurance. As a registered lobbyist, Jay has represented both the property/casualty and life, ac...

Dennis is a partner in the 100+-year-old law firm of Naman, Howell, Smith and Lee, PLLC. Dennis is chair of the firm’s Regulatory/Infrastructure and Government Relations Sections. His practice has primarily focused on work for telecommunications, utilities, litigation, and government relations. Dennis has successfully led multibillion dollar matters as well as represented clients and litigated cases across numerous jurisdictions. Additionally, Dennis was appointed to serve as Convention...