Best Lawyers in Texas, United States for Appellate Practice
Justin Presnal is a partner and seasoned trial and appellate lawyer with more than 30 years of experience representing plaintiffs in complex product liability, mass tort, and multi-district litigation (MDL). He brings a deep command of legal strategy, a passion for writing, and a national reputation for helping clients win high-stakes cases. Justin has served on leadership committees in some of the country’s largest MDLs, including litigation involving prescription opioids, defective hi...
Dale Wainwright is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice and Oil and Gas Law. Dale, 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 Dale is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Kyle Beckrich is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. Kyle, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kyle is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Caroline McLeod is an attorney who represents clients in the Houston, Texas area with Appellate issues. Mrs. McLeod chose to pursue a career in law after completing undergraduate studies. She attended Texas Tech University School of Law and graduated in 2018. She passed the bar exam and was admitted to legal practice in 2018. Ms. McLeod resides in Houston with her husband and their two Goldendoodles. In her spare time she enjoys riding her horse and traveling.
Mollie Mallory is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice and Commercial Litigation. Mollie, who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mollie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Griffin S. Rubin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Appellate Practice and Commercial Litigation. Griffin, who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Griffin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area. In addition to his experience in private practice, Griffin served as a law clerk for the Honorable Irma...
Caitlyn E. Hubbard is a partner in the firm’s Appellate and Litigation sections. She has presented and defended cases in state and federal courts of appeals in Texas. Before joining the firm, Ms. Hubbard served as a law clerk to the Honorable Priscilla Owen at the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Ms. Hubbard achieved her J.D. with high honors from the University of Texas School of Law. Her exceptional academic performance led to her acceptance into the 2015 Chancell...
Willie G. Cochran is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. Willie G., who practices law in Austin, Texas, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Willie G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Matt P. Rigney is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice and Insurance Law. Matt P., 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 Matt P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Joshua is a native Texan who grew up in the Austin hill country, and is an ardent fan of the Baylor Bears and Houston Rockets. He enjoys spending time in nature, traveling, and attempting to garden. He is also an amateur guitar player and art collector. Before joining the Lanier Law Firm, Joshua worked as an associate at a highly respected Houston firm where he specialized in construction law representing commercial contractors and homeowners. He also clerked at the Lanier Law Firm as a law s...
With experience as a law clerk to federal judges and as a trial lawyer for large companies, Bryan’s expertise is crafting compelling, case-winning arguments for Zehl & Associates’ clients, through briefing to the trial and appellate courts on the most important legal issues in their cases. Bryan grew up in Sugar Land, Texas, and graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, and from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law before returning hom...
Elliot Kudisch is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Labor and Employment Law - Employee and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Elliot, 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 Elliot is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
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.