Best Lawyers in Texas, United States for Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Sydney Alexandra Scott is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Sydney Alexandra, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sydney Alexandra is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Jeff Kearney is a Hall of Fame Texas trial legend. With over 35 years of experience in both federal and state court, Jeff represents clients in investigations and prosecutions ranging from complex federal fraud allegations to the most serious state court offenses. The Kearney Law Firm is a boutique criminal law practice. Jeff has decided to concentrate his practice on fewer clients, which allows him to focus on the nuances of each case and to provide the most effective representation to each ...
Sarah Wirskye has been defending clients in white-collar criminal, False Claims Act and civil fraud disputes with the government for over 25 years. A strategic problem solver who is results focused and detail oriented, she works proactively with the government to help clients avoid an indictment or lawsuit. Sarah is an experienced courtroom litigator who has successfully tried white-collar criminal, civil, and other criminal cases in federal and state court. Sarah also has represented clients...
Benson Varghese is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar and Family Law. Benson Varghese is the founder and managing partner of Varghese Summersett, a premier Texas law firm known for its elite attorneys and exceptional results in personal injury, family law, and criminal defense. In addition to overseeing the firm — which has offices in Fort Worth, Dallas, Southlake, and Houston — Be...
Sean R. McKenna is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Health Care Law and Litigation - Health Care. Sean R., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sean R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Ashley Hoff is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Ashley, 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 Ashley is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Emily Hoy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Emily, 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 Emily is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Alex C. Wolens is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Alex 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 Alex C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Ryan J. Meyer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Health Care Law and Securities Regulation. Ryan J., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ryan J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Rachel M. Riley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Rachel M., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Rachel M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Mauricio Escobar is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law, Criminal Defense: White-Collar and Litigation - Construction. Mauricio, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mauricio is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Madeline Fogel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense: White-Collar and Litigation - Intellectual Property. Madeline, 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 Madeline is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Ryne Sandel graduated from Texas A&M University with a Major in Psychology and Minors in Philosophy and Sociology. He attended law school at Texas A&M University School of Law (formerly Texas Wesleyan School of Law) in Fort Worth. Ryne was on the Dean’s List, served as a teaching assistant, and graduated number 4 in his graduating class. As an advocate, Ryne Sandel will fight for his clients. Ryne prides himself on his ability to stand toe to toe with anyone in the courthouse. C...
Julián Alejandro Ríos is a litigation associate who joined Ford O’Brien Landy LLP in 2022. Julián mainly focuses on complex commercial and securities litigation within the firm’s general white-collar defense practice. Julián has been recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America 2024 and 2025 for work in securities litigation and white-collar criminal defense. Julián has also been recognized in Super Lawyers® Rising Stars 2024 for...
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.