Best's Recommended Insurance Attorneys - General Defense
- Telephone: 972-934-9100
- Fax: 972-934-9200
- Toll Free: 877-FEESMITH (333-7648)
- Emer/After Hrs: 214-418-0300, 214-418-3400
- E-Mail: info@feesmith.com
- Website: www.feesmith.com
Established: 2002
Practice Areas
- Transportation
- Premises Liability
- Product Liability
- Professional Liability
- Labor and Employment
- Insurance Coverage
- Construction Defect & Injury
- Workplace Injury/Nonsubscriber
- Business & Commercial Litigation
- Government/Municipal Defense
- Intellectual Property Litigation
About Us
With strong Texas roots and a reputation for success in high-stakes litigation, Fee, Smith & Sharp is a national law firm providing incisive, industry-leading business, legal and regulatory advice to our regional, national, and international clients. From the beginning, client relationships have been at the heart of Fee Smith and continue to be the foundation of the practice and the highest priority of our three founding partners, Thomas W. Fee, Brett A. Smith, and Michael P. Sharp. Offering a comprehensive suite of legal services designed for efficiency, and practicality, our attorneys are trial lawyers first, focused on results, whether in or out of the courtroom. Today, our Texas-based attorneys carry on these firm values, proudly representing some of the highest-profile individuals and innovative companies in the nation, including transportation entities in the Fortune 500.
Fee Smith is best known for representing clients in high-stakes, bet-the-company, catastrophic injury matters and for our deep experience in the transportation, construction, and hospitality industries. We bring our expansive knowledge of the Texas and regional legal landscape, our relationships with the key players, as well as political and regulatory considerations, to every engagement. Our attorneys provide legal advice, business intelligence, risk management, and reputational consultation, with unmatched insights and solutions tailored to each client's specific needs and industry. We proactively anticipate our opponents' next moves. We are instrumental in our clients' informed business decisions. Our attorneys add value to your bottom line, opening doors and building connections that help you achieve your goals and protect your interests.
Additional Locations
- Austin, Texas
- 5301 Southwest Parkway, Suite 460
- Austin, Texas 78735
- Telephone: 512-479-8400
- Fax: 512-479-8402
- Houston, Texas
- 2777 Allen Parkway, Suite 800
- Houston, Texas 77019
- Telephone: 713-362-8300
- Fax: 713-362-8302
Client Information
Insurance Clients
- Arch Insurance
- ASI Underwriters
- Berkley Specialty Underwriters
- Great American Insurance
- K & K Insurance Group, Inc.
- Munich RE America
- Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Company
- Starr Indemnity & Liability Company
- Union Standard Insurance Group
- Upland Specialty Insurance Company
Personnel Information
Equity Partners
Thomas W. Fee
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-980-3259
- E-Mail: tfee@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 1991
- U.S. District Court, Eastern and Northern Districts of Texas, 1991
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas
- Dallas Bar Association
- Texas Association of Defense Counsel
- Trucking Industry Defense Association
- Transportation Lawyers Association
- Defense Research Institute
Certifications:
- Board Certified, Personal Injury Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Education:
- Louisiana State University, B.S., 1987
- Louisiana State University, J.D., 1991
Born: 1964
Brett A. Smith
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-980-3261
- E-Mail: bsmith@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 1991
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas, 1995
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas, 2002
Memberships:
- American and Dallas Bar Associations
- State Bar of Texas
- Dallas Association of Defense Counsel
- Texas Association of Defense Counsel
- Defense Research Institute
Education:
- Southern Methodist University, B.B.A., 1988
- South Texas College of Law, J.D., 1991
Born: 1965
Michael P. Sharp
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-980-3255
- E-Mail: msharp@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Louisiana, 1991
- Texas, 1993
Memberships:
- Louisiana State and Dallas Bar Associations
- State Bar of Texas
- Texas Association of Defense Counsel
- Defense Research Institute
- Trucking Industry Defense Association
Education:
- Louisiana State University, B.S., 1988
- Louisiana State University, J.D., 1991
Born: 1966
Brian G. Cano
Houston, TX
- Telephone: 713-362-8313
- E-Mail: bcano@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Personal Injury Defense
- Real Estate
- Civil/Commercial Litigation
- Oil & Gas Injury Defense
- Maritime Injury Defense
- Oil & Gas Contractual Disputes
- Errors and Omissions Defense
- Employment Law-Employer/Employee
- Consumer Financial Services Litigation
Admitted
- Texas, 2004
- U.S. District Court, Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas
- Houston and Texas Aggie (Houston) Bar Associations
- Association of International Petroleum Negotiators-Houston
- Claims and Litigation Management Alliance-Houston
- National Institute of Trial Advocacy
Education:
- Texas A & M University at College Station, B.B.A., Finance, 1999
- Suffolk University Law School, J.D., 2004
Born: 1975
Daniel M. Karp
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-980-3293
- E-Mail: dkarp@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Construction Liability
- Construction Defect
- Premises Liability
- Retail Liability
- Product Liability
- Transportation
- Trucking Law
- Health Care
- Pharmaceutical
Admitted
- Texas, 1999
- U.S. District Court, Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas
- Dallas Bar Association
Education:
- Washington University in St. Louis, B.A., 1996
- Texas Tech University School of Law, J.D., 1999
Born: 1974
Jennifer M. Lee
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-980-3264
- E-Mail: jlee@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 2006
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas
- Dallas Bar Association
Education:
- Texas Tech University, B.A. (magna cum laude), 2003
- Texas Tech University School of Law, J.D., 2006
Born: 1980
Bryan P. Reese
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-980-3256
- E-Mail: breese@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 1994
- U.S. District Court, Eastern, Northern and Western Districts of Texas, 1995
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas
- Dallas Bar Association
- Texas Association of Defense Counsel
- Trucking Industry Defense Association
Education:
- The University of Texas at Dallas, B.S., 1984
- The University of Tulsa
- Southern Methodist University, J.D., 1993
Born: 1960
Bret A. Sanders
Austin, TX
- Telephone: 512-428-4672
- E-Mail: bsanders@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Oklahoma, 1999
- Texas, 2001
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas
- Oklahoma Bar Association
- American Inns of Court
Education:
- University of California, Davis, B.A., 1996
- The University of Tulsa College of Law, J.D., 1998
Born: 1973
Scott W. Self
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-980-3251
- E-Mail: sself@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Premises Liability
- Product Liability
- Transportation Liability
- Insurance Litigation
- Labor and Employment
- Construction Liability
- Retail Litigation
- Commercial and Business Litigation
Admitted
- Texas, 2001
- U.S. District Court, Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas
Memberships:
- American and Dallas Bar Associations
- State Bar of Texas
- Dallas Association of Young Lawyers
- Texas Association of Defense Counsel
- Defense Research Institute
Education:
- Rhodes College, B.A. Political Science (cum laude), 1997
- The University of Texas School of Law, J.D., 2001
Senior Partners
Jon D. Azano
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-980-3257
- E-Mail: jazano@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 2001
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas
- Dallas Bar Association
- Texas Young Lawyers Association
Education:
- Trinity University, B.B.A., 1998
- Washington and Lee University, J.D., 2001
Born: 1976
Ian R. Beliveaux
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 713-362-8606
- E-Mail: irb@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Construction Liability and Defects
- Personal Injury
- Premises Liability
- Transportation Liability
Admitted
- Texas, 2004
- New Mexico, 2024
- U.S. District Court, Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
Education:
- The University of Texas at Austin, B.A., 2000
- South Texas College of Law, J.D., 2004
Jason A. Burris
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-980-3497
- E-Mail: jburris@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Commercial Litigation
- Business Litigation
- Employment Law
- Health Care
- Premises Liability
- Transportation Liability
- Retail Litigation
Admitted
- Texas, 2005
Education:
- Texas A & M University at College Station, B.A., History, 2001
- South Texas College of Law, J.D., 2005
Travis M. Casey
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-980-3271
- E-Mail: tcasey@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 2013
Education:
- Southern Methodist University, B.A., 2010
- Chapman University School of Law, J.D., 2013
Paul A. Derks
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-980-3295
- E-Mail: pderks@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Oklahoma, 1999
- Texas, 2001
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Oklahoma, 1999
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Oklahoma, 2001
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas, 2003
Memberships:
- Oklahoma and Dallas Bar Associations
- State Bar of Texas
- Texas Young Lawyers Association
- Dallas Association of Young Lawyers
Education:
- Loyola University, B.A., 1995
- The University of Tulsa, J.D., 1999
Born: 1971
Maria L. Fox
Houston, TX
- Telephone: 713-632-8307
- E-Mail: mfox@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Construction
- Trucking Litigation
- Transportation
Admitted
- Texas, 1990
- U.S. District Court, Eastern and Southern Districts of Texas
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal and Fifth Circuits
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas
- Houston Bar Association
- Trucking Industry Defense Association
- Texas Motor Transportation Association (Allied Member)
- Texas Association of Defense Counsel
- Defense Research Institute
Education:
- Baylor Law School, J.D., 1990
Born: 1957
Rodney P. Geer
Austin, TX
- Telephone: 512-428-4833
- E-Mail: rgeer@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Construction Defect
- Employment Discrimination
- Premises Liability
Admitted
- Texas, 1993
- Oklahoma
- U.S. District Court, Districts of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Oklahoma
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
Additional Biographical Details:
Ronald McDonald House of Temple, Texas (Past President); King's Daughter's Hospital (Past Board of Directors Member)
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas (Construction Law Section)
- Dallas Bar Association
- AGC of Texas (Past Area Director; Past Member, Legislative Drafting and Review and Leadership Committees)
Education:
- Southern Methodist University, B.A., 1984
- Oklahoma City University School of Law, J.D., 1992
Born: 1960
James E. Johnson
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-980-3298
- E-Mail: jjohnson@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 1993
- U.S. District Court, Eastern and Northern Districts of Texas
Memberships:
- American and Dallas Bar Associations
- State Bar of Texas
- Dallas Association of Young Lawyers
Education:
- Baylor University, B.A., 1989
- Texas Tech School of Law, J.D., 1993
Born: 1967
Justin B. Jones
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-616-7604
- E-Mail: jjones@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Premises Liability
- Product Liability
- Insurance Coverage
- Bad Faith
- Labor and Employment
- Transportation Liability
- Commercial and Business Litigation
- Construction Liability and Defects
- Retail Litigation
Admitted
- Texas, 2012
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas
- Texas Young Lawyers Association
- Dallas Association of Young Lawyers
Education:
- Texas Tech University, B.B.A. (magna cum laude), 2008
- Tulane University Law School, J.D., 2012
Howard J. Klatsky
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-980-3494
- E-Mail: hklatsky@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 1993
- California, 1999
- Oklahoma, 2001
- New York, 2002
- U.S. District Court, Eastern, Northern and Southern Districts of Texas
- U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
Additional Biographical Details:
Million Dollar Advocates Forum; Guest Speaker, Oklahoma City University School of Law, "Texas Law" Days; Guest Advocate, Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association, Mock Trial Seminar
Memberships:
- State Bars of Texas and California
- New York State and Oklahoma Bar Associations
- American Trial Lawyers Association
Publications:
- Author: "Avoiding Personal Liability in Partnerships, LLC's and LLP's"
- "Ethical Issues Facing Attorneys Structuring Limited Liability Companies and Limited Liability Partnerships"
- "Commercial Evictions"
- "Residential Evictions"
- "The Residential Eviction Trial," CLE Seminar
Education:
- University of Houston, B.A., 1989
- Oklahoma City University School of Law, J.D., 1992
Born: 1966
John M. Ledyard
Austin, TX
- Telephone: 972-980-3272
- E-Mail: jledyard@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Premises Liability
- Transportation Liability
- Commercial and Business Litigation
- Construction Liability and Defects
- Residential/Commercial/Farm & Ranch Litigation
Admitted
- Texas, 1994
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas
- Dallas and Austin Bar Associations
- Texas Association of Defense Counsel
Education:
- Baylor University, B.B.A., 1996
- Texas Wesleyan University School of Law, J.D., 1994
Gregory M. Lowry
Austin, TX
- Telephone: 512-428-4902
- E-Mail: glowry@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 2001
- U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
Additional Biographical Details:
Board of Trustees, Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas; South Austin Business Council
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas (Business, Construction and Insurance Law Sections)
- Austin Bar Association (Civil Litigation and Construction Law Sections)
- Austin Young Lawyers Association
- Texas Young Lawyers Association
Publications:
- Author: "Five Keys for Avoiding Construction Law Disputes"
- "U.S. Supreme Court Prohibits Damages for Harm to Nonparties"
- "A Self Insured's Duty to Accept a Settlement to Protect its Excess Carrier"
Education:
- Texas A&M University, B.A. (magna cum laude), 1998
- The University of Texas School of Law, J.D., 2001
Born: 1976
Craig H. Myers
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-980-3262
- E-Mail: cmyers@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Personal Injury
- Premises Liability
- Product Liability
- Professional Liability
- Transportation Liability
- Construction Liability and Defects
- Commercial and Business Litigation
Admitted
- Texas, 1999
Memberships:
- Dallas Bar Association
Education:
- Texas A&M University, B.S., 1993
- Boston University Law School, J.D. (magna cum laude), 1999
Darrell G. Noga
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-980-3288
- E-Mail: dnoga@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Illinois, 1984
- Texas, 1992
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
- Supreme Court of Texas
- Supreme Court of Illinois
Memberships:
- Federal, Illinois State and Dallas Bar Associations
- State Bar of Texas
- Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit
- Texas City Attorney's Association
- Texas Association of Defense Counsel
- Dallas Association of Defense Counsel
Education:
- DePaul University, B.A. (with highest honors), 1979
- DePaul University, M.A. (with highest honors), 1981
- Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., 1984
Adam J. Strange
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-616-7612
- E-Mail: astrange@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Commercial Litigation
- Civil Litigation
- Banking
- Commercial Transactions
- Probate
- Real Estate Transactions
- Construction Law
Admitted
- Oklahoma, 2004
- Texas, 2014
- U.S. District Court, Eastern, Northern and Western Districts of Oklahoma
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas
- Oklahoma and Dallas Bar Associations
Education:
- The University of Texas at Dallas, B.S. Business Admin. (cum laude), 2004
- The University of Oklahoma College of Law, J.D., 2011
Born: 1974
Jeff C. Wright
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-616-7614
- E-Mail: jwright@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Non-Subscriber Litigation and Defense
- Catastrophic Injury
- Premises Liability
- Employment
- Transportation
Admitted
- Texas, 1998
- U.S. District Court, Districts of Texas
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas
- Dallas Bar Association
Education:
- Southern Methodist University, B.B.A., Finance, 1993
- St. Mary's University School of Law, J.D., 1998
Born: 1971
Partner
Ashley Snell Smith
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-980-3266
- E-Mail: asnell@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Personal Injury
- Transportation
- Premises Liability
- Litigation
- Product Liability
- Retail
Admitted
- Texas, 2016
- U.S. District Court, Southern and Western Districts of Texas
Education:
- Texas Tech University, B.B.A., Finance, 2012
- Texas Tech School of Law, J.D. (cum laude), 2016
Born: 1991
Senior Counsel
Meredith Clayton Allen
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-616-7625
- E-Mail: mallen@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 1998
Education:
- Austin College, B.A., 1993
- The University of Texas School of Law, J.D., 1998
Mauricio M. Chavez
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 512-428-4645
- E-Mail: mchavez@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 2007
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Education:
- The University of Texas at Brownsville, B.B.A. (magna cum laude), 2001
- Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law, J.D., 2007
Language:
- Spanish
William W. Fitzgerald
Houston, TX
- Telephone: 713-362-8326
- E-Mail: wfitzgerald@feemsith.com
Practice Areas
- Automobile Liability
- Trucking Liability
- Industrial Accidents
- Maritime
- Property Damage
- General Negligence
Admitted
- Texas, 2003
- U.S. District Court, Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
Memberships:
- Houston Bar Association
Education:
- University of Houston-Clear Lake, B.S., 1999
- South Texas College of Law, J.D., 2002
Military:
U.S. Navy; Veterans of Foreign War; American Legion
Christine B. Karcher
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-616-7626
- E-Mail: ckarcher@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Civil Litigation
- Insurance Defense
- Contract Disputes
- Trucking Litigation
- Personal Injury
- Coverage
- Transportation Litigation
Admitted
- Texas, 1991
- Florida, 2012
- U.S. District Court, Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas (Litigation Section)
- The Florida Bar
- Dallas Bar Association
Education:
- Texas Christian University, B.S., 1988
- Southern Methodist University, J.D., 1991
Fraternity Information:
Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Fraternity
Dean A. Knecht
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-616-7603
- E-Mail: dknecht@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Construction Defect
- Personal Injury
- Insurance Defense Litigation
Admitted
- Texas, 2002
Education:
- Texas A&M University, B.S., 1992
- South Texas College of Law, J.D., 2002
John C. Krawczyk
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-616-7613
- E-Mail: jkrawczyk@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Insurance Defense
- Environmental Litigation
- Construction Litigation
Admitted
- Pennsylvania, 2011
- New Jersey, 2012
- Washington, 2018
- Texas, 2022
- U.S. District Court, Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey
- U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Washington
- U.S. District Court, Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas
Education:
- Swarthmore College, B.A., 2006
- Temple University Beasley School of Law, J.D., 2011
Anthony R. LaScalea
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-616-7617
- E-Mail: alascalea@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Construction Liability
- Construction Defect
- Premises Liability
- Product Liability
- Personal Injury Defense
- Transportation Liability
Admitted
- Texas, 2014
Education:
- Auburn University, B.S.B.A. (cum laude), 2010
- The University of Oklahoma College of Law, J.D., 2014
Tara L. Mason
Houston, TX
- Telephone: 713-362-8318
- E-Mail: tmason@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Business Law and Litigation
- Insurance Coverage & Defense
- Commercial General Liability
- Premises Liability Defense
- Product Liability Defense
- Self-Insured and Fleet Vehicle Defense
Admitted
- Louisiana, 1996
- Texas, 2015
Memberships:
- Louisiana State Bar Association
- State Bar of Texas
Publications:
- Author: “Collaboration of Diverse Resources Will Drive Economic Growth for the Future,” DRI's Diversity Insider, Nov 5, 2010
Education:
- Georgia Institute of Technology, B.S., 1992
- Louisiana State University, J.D., 1995
Stephen M. Mengis
Houston, TX
- Telephone: 713-362-8317
- E-Mail: smengis@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Louisiana, 2014
- Texas, 2015
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Education:
- Louisiana State University, B.A. Political Science, 2011
- Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center, J.D./D.C.L., 2014
Kevin S. Niknam
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 737-203-9462
- E-Mail: kniknam@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 2013
- U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas
Education:
- The University of Texas at Austin, B.A., 2005
- Thomas M. Cooley Law School, J.D., 2010
Maria E. Orozco
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-980-3273
- E-Mail: morozco@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 2008
- U.S. District Court, Eastern and Northern Districts of Texas
Memberships:
- Dallas Hispanic and Dallas Bar Associations
Education:
- Texas State University, B.A., 2005
- Texas Southern University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, J.D., 2008
John D. Plumlee
Austin, TX
- Telephone: 512-428-4856
- E-Mail: jplumlee@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Construction Defect Litigation
- Personal Injury
- Premises Liability
- White Collar Crime
- Business Disputes
Admitted
- Texas, 2011
- U.S. District Court, Southern and Western Districts of Texas
- Texas State Courts
Additional Biographical Details:
Presentation: "Basics of Future Damages in Texas," July 21, 2022, 2022 UT Car Crash Seminar
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas
Education:
- University of the Incarnate Word, B.A. Communications, 2005
- Texas Tech University School of Law, J.D. (with honors), 2011
Honors:
CALI Award for Constitutional Law; Jurisprudence Award for Creditor's Rights and Bankruptcy
Laura Sigaud
Austin, TX
- Telephone: 737-203-9467
- E-Mail: lsigaud@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Insurance Defense
- Personal Injury
- Premises Liability
- Automobile Accidents
- Trucking Accidents
- Landlord and Tenant Law
- Wrongful Death
- Contracts
Admitted
- Texas, 2022
- U.S. District Court, Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
- U.S. Supreme Court
Memberships:
- National Board of Legal Specialty Certification (Board Member, 2011-2022)
- National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (Sustaining Member, 2003-2022)
- Fifth Circuit Organization Social Security Claimants Representatives (President 2017-2018); – Sustaining Member (2019-2022)
- Dallas Area Social Security Claimants Attorneys (Vice-President, 2009-2010, 2014-2015); (President, 2011-2013); (Treasurer, 2016-2022)
Publications:
- Author: "Opinion Published on Expert Witnesses Appearing by Telephone at Hearings," NOSSCR Newsletter, October 2013
Education:
- Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, B.A., 1996
- South Texas College of Law, J.D., 2003
Brian J. Tagtmeier
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 713-365-8308
- E-Mail: btagtmeier@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 1992
- U.S. District Court, Eastern, Northern and Western Districts of Texas
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas
- Austin and Houston Bar Associations
- Houston Maritime Arbitration Association
- National Center for Dispute Settlement
- College of the State Bar of Texas
- Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas
Education:
- Rice University, B.A. (cum laude), 1989
- The University of Texas School of Law, J.D., 1992
Brett D. Timmons
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 214-451-5841
- E-Mail: btimmons@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Personal Injury
- Medical Malpractice
- Construction
- Professional Malpractice
Admitted
- Texas, 1999
- Florida, 2009
- U.S. District Court, Eastern, Northern and Western Districts of Texas
- Texas State Courts
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas
- The Florida Bar
- Dallas Bar Association
Education:
- Pepperdine University, B.A., 1996
- University of Houston Law Center, J.D., 1999
Eric G. Walraven
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-980-3287
- E-Mail: ewalraven@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Commercial and Business Litigation
- Transportation Litigation
- Appellate
- Premises Liability
- Personal Injury
- Product Liability
- Employment & Trade Secrets Litigation
- Trademark Litigation
Admitted
- Texas, 1995
- U.S. District Court, Eastern and Northern Districts of Texas
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal and Fifth Circuits
- U.S. Supreme Court
Additional Biographical Details:
The Supreme Court Historical Society; Texas Supreme Court Historical Society; American Society for Legal History; Scribes - The American Society of Legal Writers
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas (Appellate Section)
- Dallas Bar Association (Appellate Section)
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Bar Association
- Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit
Education:
- Texas Tech University, B.A., History (cum laude), 1992
- Texas Tech University School of Law, J.D. (Dean's List), 1995
Sonia E. Washington
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-616-7629
- E-Mail: swashington@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Personal Injury
- Premises Liability
- Trucking Litigation
- Transportation Litigation
Admitted
- Texas, 2013
- Missouri
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- U.S. District Court, Eastern and Northern Districts of Texas
- U.S. District Court, District of Kansas
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri
Memberships:
- Dallas Bar Association
Education:
- Jackson State University, B.A., 2003
- Southern University Law Center, J.D., 2006
Senior Appellate Counsel
Nathan A. Winkler
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 214-451-5844
- E-Mail: nwinkler@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Appellate
- Litigation
Admitted
- Texas, 2010
- U.S. District Court, Northern and Southern Districts of Texas
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas (Litigation and Appellate Sections)
- Tarrant County Bar Association (Appellate Section, Elder Law Committee)
Education:
- Texas Christian University, B.S., 2005
- Baylor Law School, J.D., 2010
Senior Associates
Jeremy R. Burkett
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-616-7624
- E-Mail: jburkett@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 2016
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
Education:
- Texas Christian University, B.S., 2012
- Texas Tech University School of Law, J.D. (cum laude), 2016
Hayley A. Cutler
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-616-7622
- E-Mail: hcutler@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Non-Subscriber Litigation and Defense
- Employment
- Premises Liability
- Business/Commercial
Admitted
- Texas, 2017
- U.S. District Court, Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas
- Dallas Bar Association
- Dallas Association of Young Lawyers
Education:
- Texas A&M University, B.A., History, 2014
- Baylor Law School, J.D., 2017
Justin A. Diaz
Houston, TX
- Telephone: 713-362-8325
- E-Mail: jdiaz@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- First and Third-Party Insurance Defense Litigation
- Complex Commercial Litigation
- Construction Defect Litigation
- Motor Vehicle Personal Injury Litigation
- Commercial Trucking Personal Injury Litigation
- Premises Liability Litigation
- Workplace Accident Litigation
- Bad Faith Insurance Litigation
- Debt Collection Litigation
Admitted
- Texas, 2018
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas (Diversity in the Profession Committee)
- Houston Bar Association
Education:
- The University of Texas at Austin, B.A. Economics, 2013
- University of Houston, J.D., 2018
Sarah-Grace French
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-616-7618
- E-Mail: sfrench@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Labor and Employment
- Administrative Law
- State, Local & Municipal
- Constitutional Law
- Legislative & Governmental Affairs
Admitted
- Texas, 2019
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas
- Dallas Bar Association
- Dallas Association of Young Lawyers
Education:
- Texas Tech University, B.A. (summa cum laude), 2015
- Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law, J.D., 2019
Nick S. Grasshoff
Austin, TX
- Telephone: 512-428-4651
- E-Mail: ngrasshoff@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Personal Injury
- Construction Liability and Defects
- Wrongful Death
- Transportation Liability
- General Litigation
Admitted
- Texas, 2015
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas
Education:
- Trinity University, B.S., 2012
- The University of Tulsa, J.D. (with honors), 2015
Michael A. Heibel
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 214-451-5846
- E-Mail: mheibel@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 2019
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
Memberships:
- Dallas Bar Association
Education:
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, B.A., 2016
- Baylor Law School, J.D., 2019
Christopher A. Klement
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-616-7619
- E-Mail: cklement@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Municipal Defense
- Civil Rights
- Banking
- Commercial Litigation
Admitted
- Texas, 2014
- U.S. District Court, Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
Additional Biographical Details:
Texas Super Lawyers “Rising Star” (2018-2022)
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas (Civil Liberties & Civil Rights Section)
- Dallas (Vice-Chairman, Government Law Section) and Dallas Hispanic Bar Associations
Education:
- University of North Texas, B.A./B.S., 2006
- Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law, J.D., 2013
Honors:
Order of the Barristers; Best Graduating Advocate, Board of Advocates
Clair C. Rivera
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-616-7627
- E-Mail: crivera@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 2007
Memberships:
- Dallas Bar Association
Education:
- Southern Nazarene University, B.S., 1996
- Texas Tech School of Law, J.D., 2007
Zachry W. Toups
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-980-3291
- E-Mail: ztoups@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Personal Injury
- Premises Liability
- Product Liability
- Transportation Liability
- Construction Liability and Defects
- Transactional Law
Admitted
- Texas, 2021
- Montana, 2024
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
Education:
- The University of Mississippi, B.A. (Dean's List), 2015
- Emory University School of Law, J.D., 2019
Patrick T. Wiggins
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-616-7616
- E-Mail: pwiggins@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Insurance Defense
- Commercial Litigation
- Premises Liability
- Trucking and Transportation Matters
- Transactional Matters
Admitted
- Louisiana, 2015
- Texas, 2022
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana
- Louisiana State Courts
- Texas State Courts
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas
- Louisiana State Bar Association
- Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel
Education:
- Louisiana State University, B.A. Political Science, 2012
- Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center, J.D./D.C.L., 2015
Associates
Marcela A. Amaro
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-616-7605
- E-Mail: mamaro@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Personal Injury Defense
- Premises Liability
- Product Liability
- Transportation Liability
- Civil Litigation
Admitted
- Texas, 2023
Education:
- The University of Texas at Austin, B.A., 2016
- University of North Texas, J.D. (cum laude), 2023
Cayman M. Angelle
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 512-428-4650
- E-Mail: cangelle@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 2024
Education:
- Louisiana State University, B.S. Finance, 2019
- Southern University Law Center, J.D., 2023
Clark T. Bullington
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 737-203-9465
- E-Mail: cbullington@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 2024
Education:
- Denison University, B.A., 2016
- South Texas College of Law, J.D. (cum laude), 2024
James S. Harvey
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-616-7620
- E-Mail: jharvey@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Colorado, 2021
- Texas, 2024
- U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
Education:
- Texas State University, B.A., 2011
- The University of Oklahoma College of Law, J.D., 2021
Zane A. Koenig
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 713-362-8316
- E-Mail: zkoenig@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 2024
Memberships:
- State of Texas
- Houston Young Lawyers Association
Education:
- The University of Texas at Austin, B.A. (magna cum laude), 2020
- South Texas College of Law, J.D. (magna cum laude), 2024
Jack H. LeCrone
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 214-451-5847
- E-Mail: jlecrone@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 2024
Education:
- Baylor University, B.A., 2021
- The University of Tulsa College of Law, J.D., 2024
Marc D. Madrigal
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-980-3268
- E-Mail: mmadrigal@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 2020
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas
- Texas Young Lawyers Association
- Texas Association of Defense Counsel
Certifications:
- General Civil Litigation Certification, Baylor Law School
Education:
- The University of Texas at San Antonio, B.A., 2015
- Baylor Law School, J.D., 2019
McKenzi C. McAdams
Houston, TX
- Telephone: 713-362-8322
- E-Mail: mmcadams@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Personal Injury Defense
- Insurance Defense
- Construction Defect
Admitted
- Texas, 2023
Memberships:
- State Bar of Texas
- Houston Bar Association
Education:
- The University of Tulsa, B.S. Psychology, 2019
- The University of Tulsa College of Law, J.D., 2023
Joshua D. Moylan
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-616-7620
- E-Mail: jmoylan@feesmith.com
Practice Areas
- Transportation Liability
- Construction Liability
- Construction Defect
- Premises Liability
- Personal Injury Defense
Admitted
- Texas, 2021
Memberships:
- Houston Young Lawyers Association
Education:
- Texas Tech University, B.B.A., 2018
- South Texas College of Law, J.D. (magna cum laude), 2021
Ashlin G. Murray
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 214-451-5851
- E-Mail: amurray@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 2024
Education:
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University, B.A. Political Science (magna cum laude), 2021
- The University of Oklahoma College of Law, J.D. (with distinction), 2024
Hunter R. Tormey
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 972-980-3282
- E-Mail: htormey@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 2022
Education:
- The University of Texas at Austin, B.A., 2019
- Baylor Law School, J.D., 2022
Morgan M. Wallace
Dallas, TX
- Telephone: 713-362-8305
- E-Mail: mwallace@feesmith.com
Admitted
- Texas, 2024
Memberships:
- American Bar Association
- Houston Young Lawyers Association
Education:
- Texas A&M University, B.B.A. (magna cum laude), 2021
- South Texas College of Law, J.D. (summa cum laude), 2024
Honors:
National Order of the Scribes
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