Best Lawyers in Texas, United States for Family Law
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Jack Wall provides dedicated representation to his clients with a practical and empathetic approach. He is committed to guiding his clients through each phase of their legal journey, assisting them in envisioning new possibilities for their future. A graduate of Baylor University School of Law, one of the nation's top litigation school, Jack was awarded a full scholarship from the Del Sampels Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund in Law.
Caitlin S. Martinez is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law, Family Law: Arbitration and Mediation, Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Caitlin S., who practices law in Denton, Texas, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Caitlin S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Tom Trahan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Tom, who practices law in Plano, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Tom is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Licensed by the State Bar of Texas in 2016, Haley Burnside began her career at the Houston firm Fullenweider Wilhite, where she practiced exclusively for the first 9 years of her career. There, she trained alongside some of the most respected attorneys in the field such as Donn Fullenweider and Randall Wilhite, gaining not only meaningful litigation and negotiation experience, but also a strong foundation in client-centered, ethical advocacy. In 2025, Haley launched Burnside Family Law to bui...
Taylor M. Mohr is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law, Family Law: Arbitration and Mediation, Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Taylor M., who practices law in Frisco, Texas, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Taylor M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Elyse Norman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Elyse, 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 Elyse is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Kaleigh Downing has always been passionate about children and at a young age wondered if she might become a teacher. She eventually decided she could best serve those in need as an attorney and pursued a career in Family Law. Divorce and child custody are personal experiences for Ms. Downing and very close to her heart. Growing up in a blended family gave her a strong understanding of the delicate issues Family Law often deals with. She knows what it’s like for children to experience a ...
Ryan Curington is a native-born Texan who brings a practical, grounded approach to his work as a family law attorney in Austin, Texas. After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin, he spent time living in New York City, where he attended Hofstra University School of Law on Long Island. While he gained valuable perspective during his time in New York, Ryan ultimately felt called back to Texas, where the culture and community felt like home. Upon returning to Texas, Ryan joined Noelk...
Kristin Weaver is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Kristin, 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 Kristin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
John J. Kappel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice and Family Law. John J., who practices law in Dallas, Texas, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Andrew Tisdale is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Andrew, who practices law in Fort Worth, Texas, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Andrew is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
As an associate attorney at Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson, Melissa Cowle represents clients in all areas of family law, including divorce, parental visitation, spousal support, property division, marital agreements, paternity and modifications. In her own practice, Melissa approaches those she represents with genuine concern and a desire to put them at ease. She understands those who come to see her are good people who may be at a particularly low point in their lives. She provides...
Christian Carson-Banister is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Christian, 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 Christian is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Family law is innately sensitive and personal – there’s never a “one size fits all” approach to a case. Emily’s empathy and exceptional ability to connect with clients on a personal level helps them feel heard, understood and supported. That’s what makes her so special. “I’ve always wanted to work in family law because of my two main passions – learning and working directly with people,” Emily says. “Family law is as diverse as...
Stephen Carl practices civil litigation, focusing primarily on family law cases. Stephen graduated, cum laude, from Baylor Law School with a special distinction in family law and as an editor for the Baylor Law Review. Stephen is also a former foster parent and has adopted four children from the child welfare system. His experience as a foster parent, adoptive parent, CASA volunteer, and attorney combine to provide him with a unique perspective and keen insight into child welfare litigation. ...
Shane Landers joined Mueller Family Law Group in 2018, beginning his career with the firm as a family law clerk for partners Jim Mueller and Rob McAngus. Based in Dallas, Texas, Shane practices exclusively in family law and represents clients in a wide range of matters involving divorce, child custody, and other family law issues. In recognition of his professional accomplishments, Shane was selected as Best Lawyer Under 40 by Dallas Magazine in 2023. He was also named to Best Lawyers: Ones t...
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.