Sebastian Arbitration & Mediation Lawyers

John Schmude is Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in family law. As a former Presiding Judge of the 247th Family District Court of Harris County, Texas, he disposed of more than 13,000 cases in every area of family law, including complex divorce cases, modifications, custody actions, adoptions, paternity suits and enforcements. While on the bench, he presided over more than 400 contested family law bench trials, numerous jury trials and thousands of hearings in every area of family law.

Prior to his election to the Bench, John Schmude served as the President of Schmude...

Kevin graduated from the University of Houston- Downtown Campus after serving in the U.S. Army where he received several decorations and awards. While working full time at O'Quinn & Laminack, a major plaintiff's law firm, Kevin attended South Texas College of Law, graduating in May 1992. After being licensed in November 1992, Kevin practiced law at O'Quinn & Laminack for over 5 1/2 years, focusing on consumer and commercial disputes, wrongful termination, medical malpractice, personal injury, premise liability and toxic tort cases. In July 1997, Kevin joined Davis & Shank, P.C., a well-respected defense firm. At Davis & Shank, Kevin's...

Experienced and recognized Austin attorney James (“Jimmy”) Evans has practiced law since 1995, and since 2010 has been Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. At his law firm, Evans Family Law Group, Jimmy handles a full range of family law cases, including divorce, agreed and uncontested divorce, divorce and custody litigation, child custody, child support, adoption, mediation and collaborative law, and grandparents’ rights (to name a few). For Jimmy, the preparation, pains, and persistence that each case demands of him is small when compared to the reward: a legal outcome that, with a minimum...

As a partner at Shepherd Smith Edwards & Kantas LLP (SSEK Law Firm), Kirk G. Smith focuses his practice on securities law. Representing individual and institutional investors against banks, brokerage firms and trust companies, Mr. Smith generally handles cases involving issues such as retirement losses, broker and brokerage firm misconduct, investment derivatives, fraud and financial product failures. He serves clients throughout the U.S.

Before earning a Juris Doctor from the South Texas College of Law Houston, Mr. Smith attended Loyola University New Orleans. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts.

Previously working as an investment advisor for a large brokerage firm and...

Kate is an Attorney at McClure Law Group. Kate practices exclusively family law, including cases involving premarital and post-marital agreements, divorce, post-divorce modifications, custody disputes, parenting plans, and child support. She is also trained in Collaborative Law.

With a sharp focus on leading her clients to the best possible outcomes, Kate encourages her clients to look forward during an emotionally and financially draining time in their lives. Recently, she negotiated a settlement where a stay-at-home parent of 20+ years was awarded the marital home in spite of a premarital agreement that may have prevented her client from receiving credit for the...

Michael P. “Mike” Metcalf doing business as Metcalf Mediation & Arbitration Services is engaged in the practice of law that centers on the mediation and arbitration of civil disputes. Judge Metcalf has more than 40 years of legal experience that includes service in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corp, as a District Attorney, District Judge and trial lawyer. Mike, a trial lawyer, is board-certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Civil Trial Law and Personal Injury Trial Law.

Judge Metcalf was a judicial pioneer who recognized the need for litigants to seek a resolution to their case...

Mr. Slania graduated magna cum laude from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 2003. At Saint Louis University, he was a three-year catcher for the baseball team and received the honor of Outstanding Performance from Conference USA. In 2006, he received his Juris Doctorate from University of Houston Law Center, where he was editor of the Houston Law Review and received the designation of Best Law Review Comment about Corporate Law. He is currently licensed to practice law in Texas and Arizona and was recognized in the Texas Super Lawyers List by Thomson Reuters in 2022 and Super...

Rex Securities Law- Robert H. Rex is a national securities lawyer with offices in Austin, Texas and Boca Raton, Florida. If you have questions about how to recover investment losses due to the fraud or negligence of a stock broker or stock brokerage firm, call for a no charge consultation.

Ky Jurgensen is an experienced business and probate litigation attorney with an additional focus on estate administration. "I was attracted to probate work because, for many clients, it’s the first time they’ve worked with an attorney. They are going through a difficult personal loss and, in the midst of that, they must also complete a reckoning of their loved one’s estate. It is a complicated process. As an attorney, I can help people through that process and make it more manageable. Personally, that is very rewarding." Ky has advised and assisted numerous estate executors and beneficiaries through probate disputes, from contested wills...

J. MICHAEL McBRIDE has helped businesses and individuals through bankruptcy for 34 years. His firm handles business reorganization, Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy and represents creditors in Chapter 13 bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, collections, arbitration and mediation, as well as related federal court litigation. After graduating from Emory University and SMU Law School, Michael clerked for a Federal District Court Judge before entering the private practice.

Michael has authored many articles, seminar papers and a book entitled Purchase and Sale of Assets in Bankruptcy, 2nd Ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., and authored the Advanced Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Practice,...

Robert Epstein is an experienced family law attorney with the strategic capabilities, creativity, and intense drive to resolve challenging cases both in and out of the courtroom. He guides clients with diverse goals and financial circumstances through all types of family law matters. Clients count on Epstein to outhustle adversaries and create proactive game plans to maintain control of their cases and resolve them favorably. Epstein’s constant communication and supportive nature are highly valued by clients. He has received numerous awards throughout his career.

Ross Russell is an attorney focusing on arbitration, mediation and providing other ADR services, as well as business law, real estate law, and estate planning. Ross is licensed in multiple jurisdictions and is able to assist in any situation a client might have. Give him a call!

David Hodges, founding partner at Hodges & Foty, LLP, was born in McAllen, Texas, and moved to Cypress when he was seven. He attended Cy-Fair Senior High School, and discovered he wanted to go to law school after participating in a mock trial in his senior government class.

After graduation, he joined the Corps of Cadets and attended Texas A&M University where he earned his B.S. degree in 1989. After graduating from Texas A&M University, he was immediately commissioned in the Navy and deployed to the Persian Gulf. When he transferred from active duty to the Navy Reserves, he...

I have been a member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas since 2003. In that time, I've focused on family law and estate planning/probate matters, with a special emphasis on child abuse and neglect cases. When it comes to child abuse and neglect cases, I've sat at every table in the courtroom, having represented parents, children and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services during my career.

At Roberson Duran Law, PLLC, we take a client-centered approach to legal representation, where we take into consideration the unique and specific needs of each client. We treat each...

Sharon M. Easley is a skilled divorce mediator and family law attorney. Having more than 30 years of legal experience, Attorney Easley vigorously works to help her clients resolve their legal goals without suing each other, without fighting, and without expensive lawyers. Located in Plano, Texas, Sharon offers free consultations to potential clients. For peaceful and affordable mediation services, call 469-406-4320.

Kris Algert is one of the most experienced Collaborative Family Lawyers in Austin and has been named Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” for Collaborative Law in the Austin area in 2013, 2016, 2018, and 2020. She is a Master Credentialed Collaborative Professional by Collaborative Divorce Texas, is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and is known for her constructive and respectful problem-solving approach to helping clients move forward with confidence after divorce.

Jim Hall is a partner in the Houston office of Kean Miller. He joined the firm in 2017 and focuses his practice on commercial, products, and premises liability litigation. An accomplished trial lawyer, he has handled numerous matters before state and federal appellate courts and the United States Supreme Court.

Jim is a certified mediator and was primary counsel in a nationwide “early look program” designed to resolve claims before suit was filed. He earned recognition from Thomson Reuters among the Texas Super Lawyers in civil litigation defense in 2006-2007. Jim is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubble.

Don Philbin is an innovative and tenacious mediator with a demonstrated history of resolving complex disputes. Recognized as a thought leader in Chambers USA, Who’s Who Legal, Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers, Don is an elected fellow of the American Academy of Civil Trial Mediators and International Academy of Mediators. He has served as chair of the Texas Bar ADR Section, is a teacher, author, and developer of Picture it Settled®, a pioneering software tool akin to “Moneyball” for negotiation.

John has been representing businesses and business people in the North Texas area for more than thirty years. He has tried numerous cases at various levels of the judicial system, including federal district court and state district court. He has presented appeals to the Supreme Court of Texas, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and ten of the fourteen intermediate courts of appeal in Texas. He has arbitrated cases before the American Arbitration Association and JAMS, Inc. In addition to his trial practice, John is a trained mediator and summary jury trial...

The Law Office of J. Kevin Clark P.C. is a Fort Worth, Texas, based law firm practicing family law, divorce, child custody, property division, and civil litigation. Our lawyers have extensive experience, practicing in state and federal courts throughout the region and working strategically to achieve optimal results for clients. With our highly tailored practice experience, we are prepared to help our clients protect their rights and meet the demands of every case.

Strategic Counsel and Advocacy in Family Law

Attorney Kevin Clark is capable of taking on the even the most complex family law and divorce cases, including those involving high...

Daniel Charest gets results for his clients in high-stakes litigation. His career reflects a history of big wins in the court room and high-profile settlement agreements. He achieves those results through a combination of smarts and daily hard work. Daniel understands that trust and accountability with his clients, plus a dedicated group of attorneys, form the foundation of a strong legal team.

From international arbitrations in London to small-town courthouses, Daniel knows each victory—no matter the size—matters to the client. Daniel co-founded Burns Charest with the mission to form a team of dynamic attorneys from varied backgrounds who are motivated...

Francesca Blackard is a partner at McClure Law Group, exclusively practicing family law since graduating from law school in 2012. Prior to law school, she worked for family law firms in Chicago, New York, and Dallas as both a paralegal and law clerk.

Francesca is of Mexican descent and is fluent in Spanish. Her travels have often taken her to Mexico, and she attended Instituto Alpes San Javier in Guadalajara, Jalisco to perfect her native tongue. Conversant in French, Francesca loves the study of languages and world cultures.

One of Francesca's finest qualities is how she relates to clients on a...

I was born and raised in Northeast Texas and after graduating from East Texas State University in 1996, I worked as a paralegal for Foley & Coley until December of 2000 when I relocated to Houston to attend South Texas College of Law. While in law school, I worked full time for Crain, Caton & James, a large law firm in downtown Houston. In December of 2005, I graduated from South Texas College of Law and passed the Texas Bar in February 2006. I was licensed to practice law by May of 2006. I had a successfully practice in...

The Law Office of Shelly A. Merchant represents individuals in Deer Park, Pasadena, La Porte, Houston, and surrounding areas in a wide range of general practice matters including family law, bankruptcy, probate and much more. We are a small firm in a small-town suburb of Houston providing clients with a friendly atmosphere and personalized service in addressing their legal concerns. We listen to your needs and work to understand your individual legal situation to help you through a difficult situation. Our attorneys are more than willing to tackle the unique challenges your case presents and to determine and execute the...

Judith Meyer is a partner in the Houston office of Kean Miller. She joined the firm in 2017 and focuses her practice on securities litigation, broker litigation, breach of contract matters, business disputes, mediation and arbitration, construction defect litigation, premises liability and toxic tort defense, employment torts, and commercial real estate matters.

Judith is a qualified mediator for general civil disputes under the Texas Alternative Dispute Resolution Act and has served as a volunteer mediator for the Harris County Dispute Resolution Center.

Judith earned her B.S., magna cum laude, from Louisiana State University in 1979. She earned her J.D. in 1985 from...

I understand the hardships that may occur in your life. As your attorney I will offer my knowledgeable legal expertise to better serve you while going through divorce and other family-related matters, including child custody and support. I am a credentialed family mediator and I will always seek to settle any problem you have outside of the courtroom. However, no matter what your situation may be, I am not afraid to fight for you and your family.

Charmaine Wilde is a dedicated attorney practicing in the areas of Probate, Guardianship, Juvenile and selected Criminal Defense. With her wealth of trial experience in criminal prosecution and defense, as well as civil litigation, she is a Certified Mediator to help people find legal resolution to their matters without the lengthy heartache and delay of a backlogged legal system. Charmaine is a volunteer in her local community by serving on the Hays County Bar Association Board as a Director for over 10 years, serving as President for half of that time. She also serves on the board for Hays County Crimestoppers and...

Ramesh Raghuthaman has been practicing law & representing clients for over 15 years. Growing up in Sugarland, Ramesh graduated high school from Strake Jesuit College Prep as part of the Class of 1994. After high school, Ramesh went on to attend college at Case Western Reserve University. Ramesh graduated with honors in Political Science and a minor in Communications. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor Degree from Washington University School of Law. Ramesh is an active member of the legal community and belongs to a number of professional organizations. Additionally, Ramesh teaches an ethics course to aspiring students...

Jennifer represents clients in adoptions, premarital planning and estate planning.

- Mediator since 1993 - Mediated over 1,300 disputes (family, personal injury, employment & others) - Mediated & taught negotiation for U.S. Air Force, Army, & Navy. - Published author of over 100 articles and book reviews - Frequent speaker (local & int’l) on dispute resolution, negotiation, diversity & law. - Former editor of The Texas Mediator - Former Editorial board member of the Texas Bar Journal ...

I have been licensed to practice law in Texas for 40 years. I have tried thousands of cases, from traffic tickets to death penalty cases, from simple divorces and visitation cases to complex divorce and custody cases, to the court and to juries, in all levels of Texas trial courts and in the Federal Courts of Texas. I am a member of the San Antonio Bar Association, San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, State Bar of Texas.

Learn more at www.thewhitelawfirm.com.

Jack Ternan's practice includes extensive experience in commercial litigation, business litigation, arbitration, appeals and appellate, corporate litigation, real estate litigation, breach of contract, open government litigation, partnership / business divorce disputes, and other civil litigation. Mr. Ternan also has experience in advising businesses and individuals on how to resolve or settle disputes without litigation. Jack Ternan grew up in Plano, Texas, where he currently resides with his wife and sons. Prior to starting the Ternan Law Firm, Mr. Ternan was a partner at Bickel & Brewer, now known as Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors. He has been...

Austin Smith focuses his practice on litigation and dispute resolution. Austin has experience in handling a wide variety of matters in state and federal court, involving complex commercial and business disputes, fraud, personal injury, and criminal matters including white collar crime. From 2017 to 2018, Austin was honored to serve as a law clerk to the Honorable Judge Amos L. Mazzant in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. With Austin has been consistently selected by BestLawyers as “One to Watch” (2020-2022) and Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2021-2022) - a recognition that only 2.5%...

Anita helps divorcing clients build a solid foundation for a better future post-divorce. Effective and strong, Anita focuses her practice exclusively on Family Law matters, including divorce litigation, collaborative law, mediation, child support, and modifications. With over 2 decades of law practice and a no-nonsense approach, Anita has proven herself to be an outstanding advocate for her clients and their children.

Divorce is a time of great distress and worry and oftentimes feels overwhelming and out of control. Despite that, you need to make decisions that affect every aspect of your future. Anita helps you understand all of your...

At The Hudgens Law Firm P.C., our accomplished and professional staff work quickly to overcome every hurdle our clients face. Attorney Fredreck S. “Field” Hudgens has nearly two decades of experience in the areas of litigation, mediation and arbitration, real estate and construction law, construction defects, business and corporate law, and a variety of other legal fields. No matter the legal struggle that you face, Mr. Hudgens and his staff will use their thorough understanding of the law to protect your interests decisively.

Experienced business and employment litigator. Also advise and handle construction and business matters. Named a Texas Super Lawyer in Employment Law. Handle state and federal cases in Texas and in other jurisdictions. Admitted to practice in all federal districts in Texas, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and U.S. Supreme Court.