Best Lawyers in Texas, United States for Appellate Practice
Chris Dove is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. Chris, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Chris is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area. Chris is a board-certified appellate specialist with nearly 25 years of experience representing clients in high-stakes, complex disputes...
Nothing defines an appellate lawyer more than writing ability. Chad Baruch wrote one of the most acclaimed appellate briefs in American history while representing what the New York Times called "a glittering array of hip hop stars." The "Hip Hop Brief" went viral and received national media coverage including articles in New Yorker and Rolling Stone. One newspaper called it "the greatest amicus brief in Supreme Court history." Chad’s work focuses on high-stakes civil and family appeals,...
Harvey Brown joined The Lanier Law Firm in 2019 following distinguished service as a District Judge in Harris County and as a Justice on the First Court of Appeals for the State of Texas. Judge Brown is selected to the list of Best Lawyers in America in the areas of Appellate Law and Commercial Litigation. Before his judicial service he was in private practice for more than 20 years, handling both trials and appeals. Judge Brown served on the First Court of Appeals bench from 2010-2018. Durin...
For over two decades, Kirsten M. Castañeda has briefed and argued state and federal appeals and original proceedings that raise issues critical to businesses and industries across Texas and the nation. In pursuing appellate relief, she never loses sight of the fact that every appeal involves more than just the law. Learning a client’s business and ultimate goals allows Kirsten to craft legal arguments and strategy that serve not only the case at hand, but also the client’s ...
“I believe in taking a straightforward approach to managing cases, and making it very easy for our clients to understand the legal and factual issues in their case.” – Clint Westhoff Every complex divorce case has its strengths and weaknesses. Clint Westhoff has the insight and experience to see them clearly, the result of combining analytical and technical skills with his deep knowledge of the law. Bringing objectivity to the case, Clint helps clients weigh the pros and con...
Stefanie Major McGregor is a Shareholder in the Dallas office of Godwin Bowman PC, where she maintains a practice focusing on commercial litigation. She represents both plaintiffs and defendants in a wide range of matters before state and federal courts around the country. Ms. McGregor’s practice covers a broad range of areas, with an emphasis on complex litigation, environmental and oil and gas litigation, major family law disputes (custody, property division, etc.), property disputes,...
Formerly a Justice on the Texas Court of Appeals, David Keltner is a highly acclaimed and recognized lawyer in the field of appellate law in Texas. He has served as lead counsel in over 350 appellate decisions and his legal writings have been cited with approval by Texas courts. He has been honored with various prestigious awards and accolades for his outstanding contributions to the legal profession. From 2021 through 2025, he was recognized as a Star Individual by Chambers USA and has recei...
Richard Orsinger is well-regarded as one of Texas’ top family law and appellate lawyers. He offers clients unparalleled experience gained over the course of an esteemed career that has lasted for more than 40 years. In that time, his peers have repeatedly recognized him for his legal acumen, dedication to hard work, and to the integrity of his profession. The list of awards bestowed upon him from a variety of legal organizations and publications is impressive. Richard has been named to ...
Jeremy Fielding is a litigation partner in Kirkland’s Dallas office. He is an experienced trial lawyer, having tried dozens of complex commercial cases in state and federal courts, arbitrations, and other evidentiary proceedings across the country. Known for his energy, creativity, relentlessness and extraordinary ability to connect with and persuade a jury, Jeremy has been recognized as one of the top trial lawyers in America and Texas by Chambers & Partners, Super Lawyers, Benchma...
Amy Warr came to Alexander Dubose & Jefferson after serving five years as an Assistant Solicitor General for the State of Texas. While at the Solicitor General's office, Amy handled many prominent appeals, including the challenge to the Ten Commandments monument on the Texas Capitol grounds in the United States Supreme Court and the 2005 School Finance case in the Supreme Court of Texas. At ADJT, Amy continues a high-level Texas and federal appellate practice. In 2008 she successfully rep...
Bryan Neal focuses his practice on labor and employment law, civil appellate law, school law, and civil rights matters. He represents management in labor and employment law matters in all aspects of administrative, trial, and appellate work, as well as counseling, with specific expertise in employment appeals. Bryan also handles civil appellate matters in all areas and represents public and private schools and governmental entities in various matters. He is Board Certified in both Labor and E...
Attorney Justin Presnal is a shareholder in the Complex Litigation Department at Simmons Hanly Conroy, based in College Station, Texas. Justin’s cases involve dangerous drugs, medical devices, and other complex litigation matters. Justin has practiced law since 1993, working on a wide array of cases. He has represented individuals and businesses in trial and appellate courts throughout the country, often involving complicated jurisdictional and choice of law issues. “The Complex L...
Wanda Fowler was a Justice on the Fourteenth Court of Appeals for almost 14 years before joining Wright Close & Barger, LLP as a partner. While on the Court she authored approximately 1900 opinions and decided approximately 3,800 more cases. In 2001, the other members of the Court elected her Acting Chief Justice for five months pending an appointment of a new chief justice and, in 2003, the Houston Chapter of the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists voted her Appell...
Our Methodology
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Our methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.
The Process
Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.