Most Highly Regarded Firms: Texas 2008 - Commercial Litigation
Forty-eight lawyers representing 22 firms appear in this sizeable chapter.
Fulbright & Jaworski LLP has five representatives here. Fulbright is "a huge name throughout the US" for litigation matters, tackling a wide range of disputes, including complex and multi-district work. The group is especially highly regarded for its handling of energy matters. With an "extensive trial record", Reagan Brown is considered "one of the best in Texas" by peers, who point to his "fantastic rhetoric and great presence". He recently defended a company involved in automobile subprime financing in an insurance and securities fraud suit in which the plaintiff sought over $70 million in damages. Linda Addison is "the one to call for big, hard cases", according to admiring peers. She is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and prominent cases include her representation of the former directed trustee of the Enron 401(k) in the $1.7 billion Enron ERISA plan class action cases. Three other Fulbright lawyers make the grade in this edition: Dudley Oldham, Frank Jones and Otway Denny.
Vinson & Elkins LLP fields four "top-tier" practitioners in this chapter. With a back catalogue of "high-end" cases such as its successful representations of ETSI Pipeline and David's Supermarkets, the group is recognised as one of the state's "major players". The "superb" Harry Reasoner is one of the most highly nominated lawyers in the state. Widely recognised for his role as lead trial lawyer on the ETSI Pipeline case, he is praised for other work, including oil and gas, RICO and utility regulation cases. William Sims is an "enviably talented" lawyer with a "vast record of top-end cases". He recently won a defence verdict for The New York Times in a libel and defamation action. Also highly recommended at the firm are William Dawson and David Harvin.
"Top litigation boutique" Gibbs & Bruns LLP is noted for its "impressive treatment of complex cases", with a "fantastic ability to deal with all kinds of dispute". Clients such as Avia Development Group, BMC Software and Corporate High Yield Fund have all sought the expertise of its lawyers. Robin Gibbs is "an institution" in the state and fellow founding partner Phillip Bruns is recommended as "absolutely one of the best there is". Colleagues Kathy Patrick, Barrett Reasoner and Chris Reynolds also featured prominently in the research and are listed in this chapter.
Representing Susman Godfrey LLP, the "hugely impressive" Stephen Susman tops the research in this chapter. An "excellent, tenacious litigator", one source described him as "a living legend in the courtroom". Past cases include representing Northrup in a case involving the F-18 jet fighter, the state of Arkansas in a milk price-fixing case and House of Representatives Speaker Jim Wright in his ethics battle. Lee Godfrey is yet another "phenomenal trial attorney" at the firm. He is praised for his energy sector work, where one source described him as "second to none". "Esteemed" duo Neal Manne and Terrell Oxford complete the picture for the firm in this chapter.
At "fabulous boutique" Beck Redden & Sechrest LLP, the group "has a national reputation for consistent excellence", according to one respondent to the survey. Named partners David Beck and Joe Redden are considered "superlative trial lawyers", who garner respect across the board. Also mentioned are the "stellar" Alistair Dawson and Murray Fogler.
Texas heavyweight Baker Botts LLP has a substantial litigation department that "packs a punch". In 2008, it obtained a favourable judgment for Cablevision when it was sued by several television studios and other content providers. The firm's clients also include Snapple and Houston Municipal Employees Pension System. The "excellent" Irvin Terrell represented Asarco in a $7 billion plaintiff's case against Grupo Mexico and Americas Mining Corporation. Rod Phelan and Robb Voyles were also enthusiastically endorsed.
Litigation boutique Carrington Coleman Sloman & Blumenthal LLP is home to the "seriously smart" James Coleman and Fletcher Yarbrough, who are "at the forefront of the litigation profession". Another "premier" litigation firm is Figari & Davenport LLP, which in "high demand". Ernest Figari is esteemed for his representation of clients such as Dallas County when it was sued by former inmates of the County Jail. Mark Davenport is a "sensational litigator" and highly recommended for his work on a wide range of cases.
King & Spalding LLP's representatives Doak Bishop and Reagan Simpson both received plaudits. This "powerhouse" boasts a prestigious client list that includes El Paso Corporation and Exxon Mobil Corporation - an illustration of the firm's "great reputation for energy matters". McKool Smith LLP is another example of an "excellent Texas litigation firm", which has represented high-end clients such as Anascape and Ericsson. Mike McKool and Lewis LeClair are "at the top of their profession", according to sources. Haynes and Boone LLP is "a must for a list of strong litigation firms", according to one competitor. Clients include medical device manufacturers, public utilities and computer corporations. Barry McNeil and George Bramblett were both applauded for their "consummate professionalism".
Several "big names" appear in this chapter. Rusty Hardin at his own firm is "top tier", with a client base of corporations, public figures and institutions and professional athletes. Another sole practitioner, Richard Mithoff, is "highly regarded" and well known for matters regarding medical malpractice. Jamail & Kolius' Joe Jamail is "a legend in the field", and K&L Gates LLP's Bob Mow is "truly great". He is recommended for his work representing clients on construction, antitrust, bankruptcy and securities litigation.
Jackson Walker LLP's Charles Babcock's "illustrious career" includes defences of the Chicago Tribune and Oprah Winfrey, while Richard Sayles of Sayles Werbner PC is considered "one of the most highly regarded litigators in the state". The "distinguished" David Berg of Berg & Androphy is a "versatile, talented litigator", well known for his representation of Deutsche Bank in the Enron class action. At Bracewell & Giuliani LLP, Clifford Gunter is considered "outstanding", and a positive reception was also given to Thompson & Knight LLP's George Chapman. Thad Dameris of Hogan & Hartson LLP in Houston was cited as "outstanding".
Davis Cedillo & Mendoza Inc boasts the inclusion of the "senior and respected" Richard Cedillo, and Slusser Wilson & Partridge LLP's William Slusser is considered "experienced and inventive - a credit to the Bar". At Jones Day, Terence Murphy completes the picture for this chapter. His cases include trials involving clients such as JC Penney, US Silica Co and Gillette.