Cooke County Business Lawyers

I have been practicing law since 2004. Prior to earning my law degree, I owned and operated a popular nightclub in South Tampa. I graduated from Stetson University College of Law in 2002 with my law degree. The following year, I earned a certificate in International Intellectual Property Law from Tulane Law School and graduated with honors with a Master of Law (LL.M.) in International and Business Law from Stetson University College of Law. I am admitted to practice law in Texas and have taken an oath before the Texas Bar to uphold its Code of Ethics. Additionally, I am a...

During law school, Simon interned with the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES) where he assisted families with release from detention centers, visa applications, and removal proceedings. Simon interned as a Certified Legal Intern for the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association and Florida A&M University College of Law Legal Clinic as a Guardian Ad Litem, representing the best interest of children inside and outside of the courts. Simon also interned with a boutique law firm in Dallas, assisting their clients with commercial real estate, intellectual property, social media, tax planning, employment law, and...

Holly R. Davis is a founding partner of Kirker Davis LLP. An accomplished and nationally-recognized family law trial attorney with over ten years’ experience, her legal practice focuses on high asset divorce, business and professional divorce, custody matters, and complex litigation. With a strong professional reputation for her litigation and courtroom skills, Holly has successfully represented cases ranging from multi-million--and even billion dollar—estates, to divorces involving family businesses and young professionals. Her core business philosophy is based on fidelity to the practice of law and a commitment to client service. It’s a perspective which has yielded significant success, particularly...

I was born and raised in Denton, Texas and graduated from Denton High School in 1998. My mother is and has been a physician in Denton since 1980. I feel that my educational background in science, business, and law gives me a unique perspective on any dispute including those involving complex business structures. Additionally, due to my experience with small businesses, I understands the issues and potential obstacles that affect them as well.

I received my law degree from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law in 2008. Prior to law school, I received an undergraduate degree in Mechanical...

Jeff Springer has more than two decades of experience serving as an advocate for individuals, families and businesses. He was an honors program graduate of Baylor University, and obtained his Juris Doctorate at Baylor Law School. Jeff is board certified in civil trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is a member of the American Bar Association and the State Bar of Texas. He is a past President of the Denton County Bar Association. A former Adjunct Professor of Law at Texas Woman's University, Mr. Springer has published a number of articles covering topics ranging from tort...

• Dallas Office Chair. Professional liability litigation group, including the defense of architects, engineers, design professionals, lawyers, insurance brokers/agents, medical, and other miscellaneous professionals. • Counsel and represent attorneys on ethics and grievance ir. matters. • Represent defendants and corporate plaintiffs in complex construction and business litigation. • Defend product liability, premises liability, trucking, and auto insurance defense claims. • Outside legal consultant for OmniSure Consulting Group, LLP, a national risk management and loss control consulting group assisting national insurance carriers in the A&E and allied health professionals space. • Represent and consult with college-level coaches in contract negotiation, hiring & firing matters, internal compliance, corporate...

Entering her fourth decade as a practicing attorney, Gretchen Benolken has chosen to divide her professional time into a small handful of areas. First, she spends some time in the service of long time, loyal, existing clients with various needs. Second, the majority of her time is spent with new clients, providing legal services in two specific areas: a) the drafting of wills and trusts for the purpose of protection of assets, and b) representing clients in the probating of the estates of their deceased loved ones and guiding them step-by-step through this judicial process during what is a most...

Chris M. Kirker is a Texas trial lawyer handling highly contested divorce and custody matters. Chris has been successfully handling divorce and custody cases for years and places intense focus and attention on every client he works with. While most cases do not go to trial, Chris knows the importance of being ready for trial should it become necessary. After successfully handling many divorce and custody matters Chris has received numerous awards related to his prior clients’ satisfaction with his work. He has been named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer in the State of Texas by the National Trial Lawyers (2014-2023)....

Lin feels blessed that he has the knowledge, ability and resources to help others who have suffered devastating losses through no fault of their own. He practices law to make an impact: preventing the powerful from using their power unfairly and to help those most in need. Lin’s word is his bond. He believes that integrity is the cornerstone of all relationships, and he lives this value when dealing with all the people touched by his practice, including clients, employees, and others he meets through the course of business. Lin has been a trial lawyer for over 20...

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...

Mark A. Walsh is a business litigation attorney in McKinney, TX, who has litigated hundreds of construction and business disputes throughout the State of Texas since 1997. He has extensive experience and has counseled clients in all manner of construction and business disputes, commercial contract drafting and litigation, public procurement law, partner/shareholder dispute litigation, and governmental entity representation.

Austin assists Plaintiffs, Defendants, and transactional clients in a variety of matters and disputes. He is uniquely situated to handle opposing counsel no matter the sophistication or size of his adversary. Austin has significant trial experience and has been successful in obtaining favorable verdicts on behalf of his clients in a variety of matters. He utilizes his large law firm experience while drawing on his client-centered results-driven experiences gained at smaller law firms.

Austin prides himself on being accessible to his clients and is committed to pursuing results that exceed expectations. His intent with every person whom he represents is to...

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...

Laura Starr joined the firm in 2014. Laura received her undergraduate degree from Texas Christian University, graduating with a B.S. in political science. Laura attended law school in Chicago, Illinois at DePaul University College of Law where she received a certificate in business law. During law school, Laura externed for the Honorable Michael F. Otto at the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois and was a member of the International Commercial Arbitration Moot Team. She was also a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. As a member of Starr Law Firm, P.C. Laura focuses in the areas of...

Bill is a native of Dallas who returned to the area after law school. Bill’s main area of practice is in personal injury litigation with many successful trials to his credit. He dedicates himself to serving the citizens of the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. His greatest priority is ensuring that each client receives the legal remedy in their best interest.

Mr. Montgomery is a multi-credentialed attorney, CPA, and CFE. He is the founder and managing member of Montgomery Legal, and he serves as an adjunct professor of estate planning at the University of North Texas. His primary practice areas include: wills, trusts, and estate planning; probate; federal tax planning, preparation, controversies, and litigation; business planning and structuring; business advising and litigation; outside CFO/counsel; real estate transactions; personal injury claims, and forensic investigations.

With almost twenty-five (25) years of experience as a dual-licensed Attorney and Certified Public Accountant, Darryl V. Pratt has practiced law in all areas of corporate and business law, non profit law, estate planning, probate, guardianship, asset protection planning, bankruptcy (Chapters 7, 13 and 11), real estate, and taxation. Mr. Pratt focuses his practice on business representation and estate planning-probate and is a regular speaker on a variety of business law, non profit law, estate planning, asset protection, tax, bankruptcy, real estate and taxation topics. Mr. Pratt is a member of the Collin County, Denton County and Dallas...

Ty M. Sheaks is a partner with McCathern and is the go to “fixer” for McCathern’s most difficult and high-exposure litigation matters. He has a unique and diverse background counseling business partners in a variety of civil and commercial litigation matters on a national level. Prior to joining McCathern in 2013, Mr. Sheaks served as national trial counsel for a multi-national corporation handling all aspects of defending toxic tort and product liability claims in state and federal courts nationwide.

Mr. Sheaks heads up McCathern’s Retail, Restaurant, and Hospitality Section, but has extensive experience and a successful track record in...

Levi G. McCathern, II is widely recognized as one of the premier litigation lawyers in Texas. He is Board Certified in both Civil Trial Law and Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a double certification held by only 26 of the 87,000 attorneys in Texas.

Mr. McCathern specializes in catastrophic damage litigation and is frequently summoned to defend specialized, high-damage claims, including all types of commercial litigation. In addition, he has served as lead counsel for numerous jury trials and is regularly called upon to provide legal consultation to companies throughout the country.

Mr. McCathern serves as...

I work with clients to help them succeed, whether this involves setting up a new business, working with them to understand and comply with complicated federal and state laws, developing their estate plan and preparing the necessary documents, or helping them resolve their firearm legal issues.

I can work with you by providing the following legal services:

(1) Business Law: Work with businesses owners to plan their organization, develop the legal documents necessary to get their business started, and address their ongoing legal concerns

(2) Regulatory Compliance: Work with business owners to help them understand and comply with statutory and regulatory requirements so...

A dedicated advocate for her clients, Jill is experienced in serving clients in a wide range of legal needs. Born and raised in Denton, she is very involved in the local community and has been recognized with numerous awards. For instance, She was appointed by the Governor of Texas to the Texas Woman’s Board of Regents and was elected Chair of the Board in 2019. Jill graduated from Denton Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Denton program and currently serves as Board Chair of the Chamber. Jill was voted Best Civil Lawyer in the “Best of Denton County” publication (for 2016,...

Jennette E. DePonte is a Partner at the McCathern office in Frisco, Texas. Mrs. DePonte has an extensive litigation and trial background, having tried numerous cases in state and federal courts in Texas. Her practice focuses on litigation involving employer-employee relations. Specifically, she has litigated tort and non-subscriber claims, employment-related torts, ERISA claims, discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims, wage and hour claims and collective actions, and civil rights claims under state and federal law.

Mrs. DePonte has defended national and regional employers in a wide range of employment-related issues, represented employers before numerous federal and state agencies, and handled trials and...

James Davidson was born in Austin, Texas and grew up on a working cattle ranch in the Texas Hill Country just outside of Austin. He graduated Cum Laude from Texas State University – San Marcos with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a minor in Anthropology. James attended Regent University School of Law in Virginia Beach, Virginia where he received his Juris Doctorate. In 2013, James moved to Fort Worth, Texas where he joined forces with his brother Matthew in opening their law practice, the Davidson Law Group.

James has been recognized by Fort Worth Magazine and 360 West Magazine...

At Colbert Law Group PLLC, we understand that taking on legal challenges can be daunting, and we are here to help. Our team will work with you every step of the way to ensure that you have a clear understanding of your rights and options. We promise to provide consistent commitment and dedicated assistance so that you can rest assured knowing that you are in good hands. At Colbert Law Group PLLC, we have been representing clients in Texas and Oklahoma since 1992. Our experienced team will work with you one-on-one to ensure that your rights are protected and that you...

Candace received her Juris Doctorate from Loyola University and has been an attorney for over 20 years. She is admitted and licensed to practice in all Texas and Louisiana Courts and over 15 Federal Jurisdictions including the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Candace's practice areas include: Real Estate Law (including real estate investors), Landlord/Tenant Law, Business set-up and governance, Contracts, Collections, Creditor's Rights, Asset Protection, Estate Planning, Probate and Successions. She is excited about helping her clients resolve legal matters as quickly as possible. Sometimes, all it takes is a phone call. Other times, may involve going to...

Hunter Sargent is an experienced attorney who has been licensed to practice law in Texas since 2014. He is the founder and managing attorney of Hunter Sargent, PLLC, quickly growing the firm into Denton's premier estate planning law firm. Hunter focuses his practice entirely on estate planning and business planning. Hunter obtained his law degree from Texas A&M School of Law in 2014. After graduating from law school, Hunter began his legal career by working as an attorney in Denton, where he gained extensive experience in estate planning and business law. He then founded his own law firm, Hunter Sargent, PLLC,...

Since 1994, Internet Lawyer Mike Young has been helping entrepreneurs protect, grow, buy, and sell ecommerce companies. Attorney Young focuses on business transactional law (no litigation).

Since 1996, my focus on the law has been representing individuals hurt or injured as the result of someone else's negligence. That means representing YOU for YOUR injuries and working to get you the best result possible. Especially here in Collin County, Grayson County, and Fannin County, Texas, you need someone who is familiar with these counties and the unique problems and issues they create. You don't need to buy into the big Dallas firms, their chasing you, or their advertisements, to get a local and experienced attorney. In fact, you might just be getting...

I grew up around small businesses. One of my grandfathers was an insurance agent in Denton. My other set of grandparents owned a bookstore in Irving. My father ran a financial services company in north Dallas with about ten employees, and during high school I often worked in his office after classes. I spent my summers working on commercial construction sites and watching how each contractor depended on the others to perform their obligations. At Stanford I majored in economics, in part because of its importance to business. But for me the real draw was the way in which economics approaches...

Robert represents mid-market and large enterprise companies in software license transactions and disputes with major software publishers such as Adobe, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle and SAP. He has defended over 225 software audit matters initiated by software piracy trade groups such as the BSA and SIIA. He is counsel to some of the world's largest corporations, such as Schlumberger, PepsiCo, Iron Mountain and American Express, on information technology matters including intellectual property licensing, risk management, data privacy, and outsourcing. Robert ensures that Scott & Scott, LLP continues its focus on cost-effective strategies that deliver positive results.He is regularly...

Brandon leads the firm's bankruptcy practice at Tittle Law Group, PLLC ("TLG"), with a focus on corporate reorganization, restructuring, acquisitions and litigation. He has a wealth of experience representing entities in their Chapter 7 and 11 cases and out-of-court restructurings and creditors' committees. His practice also includes extensive general bankruptcy litigation. He has extensive experience managing complex bankruptcy restructuring cases, both on a national and international scale. He provides seamless service to his restructuring clients facing complicated insolvency issues and has experience across multiple industries, including automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, energy, retail, and real estate. As the...

ABOUT BEN
Dallas-based attorney Benjamin Palatiere is a courtroom veteran with over 10 years of experience helping individuals, families, and businesses in civil disputes.


Education

Texas Wesleyan University School of Law, 2008
Texas State University, magna cum laude, 2005


Licensed/Admitted

Benjamin is admitted to the Texas Bar and licensed to practice in all district and county courts at law throughout the state.


Groups / Clubs

Dallas Young Lawyers Association
Sigma Alpha Epsilon

Albin Yates Balius Roach believes in aggressively preserving the truth for our clients while advancing the integrity of the profession. We also recognize that we cannot successfully cast a positive vision for our clients’ futures without possessing one for ourselves. The attorneys, paralegals and support staff of Albin Yates Balius Roach have chosen to commit their time and talent to the firm because we believe in the firm’s priorities and its future.

Although Ms. Davis specializes in construction litigation, she has a general practice which includes handling all problems from corporate inception to dissolution, partnership formation and disputes, real estate law, consumer litigation, contract disputes, and appeals.

My practice is focused on Family Law, and Business Law, especially startups. I have been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers and I have have served my Bar Association as a Qualified Mediator and Past President of the Denton County Young Lawyers Association.

I spent the first 8 years of my practice in the Dallas County District Attorney's Office in its Trial Division. There I tried over 300 cases to final verdict before juries and hundreds more bench trials, motions, and probation revocations. I took all that experience into the private practice of law which has now lasted 35 years. Thus equipped and trained, I have applied those skills to expand into civil litigation while continuing to practice criminal defense. I maintain membership in the State Bar of Texas College, which means I take 30 or more hours of Continuing Legal Education each...

Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Commercial and Residential Real Estate Law

David M. Kennedy has over 30 years experience representing individuals and businesses in matters of civil litigation. As a law student assisting his father in a civil fraud trial in 1982, David tried his first case to a jury in Oklahoma and has been a 'trial attorney' ever since. So, if you need an attorney for the courtroom rather than the boardroom, David is a seasoned choice. David was raised in Sherman, Texas and his office is located there. Coming out of law school he joined his father's firm as one who would try the lawsuits, focusing on personal...

Daniel Dower was born in Dallas, Texas in 1972. He graduated from the Texas Academy of Math & Science at University of North Texas before moving on to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at University of Texas at Dallas, a Master’s degree in Business Administration from South Methodist University, and Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University School of Law.

Daniel has a long career as a financial executive, including a long tenure as CFO for CHI Investment Corporation, a local real estate investment company. He also served as President of Boo Koo Beverages, Inc. and engaged in...