Merit Lawyers

Keith D. Harris is a partner at Harris and Harris Law Group, PLLC. He is an experienced litigator who practices criminal defense in state and federal courts. Prior to practicing criminal defense, Keith had 11 years of prosecuting cases and trial work. Harris and Harris Law Group prides itself on the individual attention clients receive. They sit down with each client, listen to the details of their case and provide exemplary legal representation.

Mr. Toufexis is a veteran of the United States Navy and after serving for 10 years, he has brought that same tenacity to his legal career. As a combat veteran, Mr. Toufexis has used his experiences and translated that fighting attitude to the courtroom. Even before going to law school, Mr. Toufexis knew that his passion was fighting for the rights of the accused and has shown that passion through the exceptional results he has achieved in court. His “think outside the box” mentality has turned many negatives in cases into positives. Mr. Toufexis believes that everyone is deserving of tenacious...

Attorney Michelle May O’Neil earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in 1989 from Baylor University Hankamer School of Business, her Juris Doctorate in 1991 from Baylor University School of Law, and her Mediation Certificate in 2003 from Texas Women’s University. Ms. O’Neil has been practicing law for over 30 years, and is the founding partner of the Dallas family law firm, O’Neil Wysocki. Through the use of genuine compassion for her client’s difficulties, and her determination to help them maintain their most favorable outcomes, Attorney O’Neil has the ability to assist individuals through complicated matters including divorce, child custody, and...

Mr. Crawford has more than 30 years of experience in handling complex commercial litigation, including securities fraud, receiverships, oil and gas, employment, insurance and general business disputes.

Representative Matters

Mr. Crawford has successfully represented clients in a wide range of complex commercial litigation, including cases involving:
• Securities Fraud
• Oil and Gas Fraud
• Software licensing issues
• Employment disputes, including proprietary information, agreements and covenants not to compete
• Stock option agreements
• Copyright issues
• Insurance coverage disputes
• Shareholder disputes
• Partnership...

Rick Harrison is a highly successful criminal defense attorney who has represented the people of North Texas for over 35 years. He is that rare defense lawyer who offers his clients unmatched experience from both sides of the criminal justice system. As the former District Attorney of Kaufman County and a Past President of the Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Mr. Harrison knows better than anyone how the government will investigate and prepare your case, whether it is a misdemeanor or felony charge in State or Federal Court. He has tried cases ranging from DWI to Capital Murder. His reputation...

Zac Cooper is an Associate Attorney with the Parvin Law Group that focuses on litigating business, probate, and guardianship disputes, assisting clients to protect legacies built over a lifetime. Zac is energetic about assisting clients with safeguarding what's important: their livelihoods and their loved ones. For those trying to observe a friend or family member's desires after death or to guarantee a loved one receives proper care during life, Zac helps clients with probate and guardianship matters. When it comes to litigation, Zac is a bulldog in the courtroom. He works to protect and defend clients every step of the way...

Mr. McComber is a Partner at Figari & Davenport, LLP whose practice focuses on complex commercial litigation. Mr. McComber has a broad range of experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants in contract disputes, TRO and injunctive relief proceedings, health, life, and disability insurance disputes, class actions, oil and gas matters, and litigation involving commercial real estate. Mr. McComber has successfully tried cases in both federal and state courts, and has also represented numerous clients in significant arbitration proceedings.

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...

Stephen W. Shoultz is a Dallas injury attorney and a founder of the Law Office of Stephen W. Shoultz. Attorney Shoultz has been working in the legal field for nearly 35 years. He is among the select group of Texas lawyers to be Board Certified in the area of Personal Injury Law. Mr. Shoultz’s peers have recognized him with the Martindale-Hubbell® rating of AV Preeminent®. He holds memberships with organizations including the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, American Association for Justice and Dallas Trial Lawyers Association. Contact his firm today to find out more.

Jennifer is very driven; which helps her be a strong and effective advocate for her clients. She believes in treating people who are dealing with difficult situations as well as happy events such as adoptions and prenups with dignity, compassion, and respect while providing excellent representation and personal service. Born and raised in the North Dallas area; Jennifer graduated from Plano Sr. High in 1993. Four years later, she received her Bachelor of Science degrees in Criminal Justice, Business Law and English from UNT. Following college, she took two years off to begin her family before continuing her education and going...

Clint Lee is a personal injury attorney and Vice President of Operations at Bailey & Galyen. He is licensed to practice law in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Mr. Lee has also been admitted to the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He graduated from the University of North Texas Dallas College of Law. Mr. Lee’s primary focus is on helping those who have been seriously injured and those who have lost loved ones as a result of...

Attorney Pedro “Peter” de la Cerda co-founded DFW Injury Lawyers, embarking on a legal career initially defending healthcare providers, trucking companies, and manufacturing entities in cases involving personal injury, medical malpractice, products liability, and toxic tort. Witnessing the genuine suffering of individuals deserving fair compensation, Mr. de la Cerda transitioned to representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases. Licensed to practice in Texas and California, Mr. de la Cerda has garnered numerous accolades. Recognized as a “Rising Star” by SuperLawyers® from 2014 to 2017, he has consistently been designated as a "SuperLawyer" since 2018, a distinction granted to just 5% of lawyers...

Amy Elizabeth Stewart is the Managing Principal of Amy Stewart Law, an insurance coverage boutique in Dallas, providing corporate policyholders with insurance advice and handling insurance coverage litigation. She is the author of Texas Insurance Coverage Litigation, the Litigator's Practice Guide, published by Texas Lawyer Books and American Lawyer Media. Amy also speaks regularly on insurance issues and writes for a number of publications, including the American Bar Association’s Coverage periodical. An experienced, AV-rated lawyer, Amy has achieved outstanding results for clients in complex, high-stakes cases through diligent preparation, meticulous attention to detail and tenacious advocacy. Amy's insurance coverage litigation and bad faith...

I grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. I was one of eight children, did not have a privileged upbringing, but am extremely grateful for my parents' many sacrifices. They instilled in me a work ethic that I carry with me to this day. Throughout my years, I have overcome many personal and professional challenges. I now devote my professional life to helping clients overcome their financial challenges. When you meet me, you will find me to be professional but personable. I try to live my life like an exclamation, not an explanation! I believe that I am brave and...

Tom Trahan is proficient in all facets of family law, from out-of-court settlements to courtroom litigation. His deep understanding of the litigation process enhances the chances of reaching negotiated or amicable resolutions, as opposing counsel and clients often realize that finding common ground can lead to beneficial outcomes.

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...

Carla De La Cruz was born and raised in Puerto Rico. Carla has practiced family law in DFW and surrounding counties since 2017 and joined the Bogdanowicz Family Law team in 2020. She has experience in all areas of family law and is a native Spanish speaker.

Carla graduated from the University of Puerto Rico and later attended Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law. While in law school, she gained family law experience interning at the Child Support Offices in the District Court of Ponce, Puerto Rico. She further developed her skills...

Linda Risinger has been in private practice since 1989, focusing on the needs of North Texans primarily in Collin, Dallas and Denton Counties. However, her expertise has been called upon in cases across Texas. Linda is a graduate of Southern Methodist University and Southern Methodist School of Law in 1983 with a Juris Doctor. In 1989, she moved to Collin County, preferring the opportunity to meeting her client's needs in a more personal, committed level. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Collin County Bar Association. Her commitment to maintaining the highest level of knowledge and experience...

"Criminal Law has been my passion from day one and I focus my practice solely on protecting the rights of those accused of a crime." Casey Davis is passionate about defending your rights. She thrives on helping you out of a tough situation and into a better life. Well known and respected throughout Collin, Tarrant and Denton Counties, she approaches your case with a hard-hitting, aggressive legal style, serving and advising you toward your best outcome. Casey worked in a variety of departments as a prosecutor and an intern with the Tarrant and Denton County District Attorney’s Offices including the Crimes Against...

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

Megan was a family law paralegal for 16 years before becoming a family lawyer, and has seen firsthand what matters to clients: knowing their case is in good hands with an attorney who understands their personal situation and who is capable of providing personalized options for addressing their legal issues. With a combination of sound legal counsel and practical advice, Megan guides clients toward goal-oriented decision-making that positions them for a better future. Megan was named to the 2023 Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch © list in the field of Family Law.

James P. Whalen is the owner of Whalen Law Office in Frisco, Texas.

James graduated from Southern Methodist University School of Law in May 1995 and was admitted to the Texas Bar in November 1995 and is admitted to practice in the federal courts of the Eastern, Northern, Western and Southern Districts of Texas, Northern District of Illinois, as well as the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. James has been Board Certified in Criminal Law since 2002 and has been Board Certified in Criminal Appellate Law since 2017. Mr. Whalen practices exclusively in federal...

My firm provides comprehensive legal services and sound, reasoned advice. My wide range of experience, in state and federal courts, lets me deliver efficient and effective representation with your best interest always the primary goal. Litigation is about balancing risk; the art of law is balancing risk and cost to obtain the best possible result for the client. Common sense, excellent education and practical experience are combined with my personal desire to help each of my clients. You are important to me.

Gonzalez Law Group | 12160 Abrams, Suite 640, Dallas, Texas 75243, Dallas Personal Injury Lawyer Dallas Insurance Attorney, Dallas Insurance Dispute Lawyer * All consultations are free and confidential* * No fees unless you win* If you have suffered an injury because of somebody else’s negligence and you are having issues collecting against an insurance company, you need an experienced Dallas Civil Lawyer representing you in your case. Dallas Car Accident Attorney Dallas Truck Accident Attorney Dallas Premises Liability Lawyer Dallas Personal Injury Attorney; Dallas Personal Injury Lawyer AREAS OF PRACTICE Work injuries Wrongful death cases Truck Accidents, Commercial Truck Accidents Automobile accident Motorcycle accident Nursing home cases Accidents caused...

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).

We understand nobody desires to hire an attorney. But serious circumstances require a seriously-effective attorney. Whatever issue you face, you don’t have to face it alone. Let us help you solve your problem so you can get on with your life.

Andrew Margolies is the founding tax attorney at Margolies Law Office. He graduated with honors from the University of Maryland School of Law, concentrating in Taxation and Commercial Law. He is admitted to practice law before all Texas State Courts, the IRS, the United States Tax Court and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Margolies Law Office is a tax law firm dedicated to helping individuals and businesses of all backgrounds and income levels resolve their IRS issues. We are located in Dallas, Texas and proudly serve the DFW Metroplex and beyond....

Desireé Marie Bedasa is committed to helping families facing challenging family law issues, such as divorce. Due to her own personal experiences growing up, Desireé is inspired to advocate for those who are unable to advocate for themselves, primarily children. As an individual who did not experience a "traditional" upbringing, Desireé knows the potential trauma of a child being caught in the middle of a custody battle. She has dedicated her career to assisting families with children determine what solution is in the best interest of a child. Desireé is dedicated to and experienced at advocating for families in a wide...

The Law Office of Jenna Zebrowski, PLLC, helps real estate professionals and smart business owners protect their interest and prevent problems in their leases, purchases and sales, and contracts and legal documents.

Frank and his wife chose Dallas to live and begin his law practice as a civil litigator. Upon starting to practice law, he thought it important to support his career by joining legal organizations so he could grow in the practical depth of the profession and nurture his need to meet lawyers with the same passion. Frank G. Giunta found membership in these various legal organizations provided a forum which enabled him to engage with other professionals to discuss and share ideas which ultimately provides resources to better serve his clients and the general community where he lives. ...

The Barber Law Firm is a full service personal injury law firm that helps injured victims throughout Texas receive the compensation they deserve. Jared earned his law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law. While in law school, Jared competed in nearly every advocacy competition the school hosted—ultimately winning a national championship in the 2012 National ABA Arbitration Competition. Jared was elected as Vice Chair of Trial Advocacy on the Texas Tech Board of Barristers, an invitation-only organization that helps students develop advocacy skills at all levels of a case. Jared graduated with honors and was inducted into the...

A graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law in Tuscaloosa Alabama Ms. Weathers was admitted to the Alabama Bar in May 1989. Her legal experience has spanned several disciplines including criminal law, family law, estate litigation, intellectual property, and as a general practitioner. However, since graduating from law school, she has practiced primarily in Criminal Law as an Assistant District Attorney for six years and as a defense attorney since that time. Ms. Weathers has tried in excess of 100 felony jury trials and many misdemeanors and juvenile trials. Serving as a prosecutor Ms. Weathers worked tirelessly to...

Charlie Malolo is an Estate Planning Attorney in McKinney, Texas. For the last five years he has been helping people create meaningful legacies for their families and loved ones from his offices in McKinney, Texas, through estate planning services. Charlie graduated with a law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2011. He has made it his mission since then to educate families on the complexities of planning for probate, as well as how to develop thoughtful and meaningful ways to leave a complete legacy for loved ones through estate planning.

Jonathan L. Howell has actively represented clients in Texas and throughout the United States in multiple facets of litigation and bankruptcy, as well as a variety of transactional matters, including business and asset acquisitions, preparation and renegotiation of lending and credit agreements, contract disputes, real property disputes, debt restructurings, partnership disputes, and business dissolutions. Mr. Howell has received multiple awards and recognition from his peers for his work in bankruptcy and litigation matters.

Mr. Howell has represented a broad spectrum of clients, ranging from local entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies. Mr. Howell's clients have included business owners, directors, officers,...

Learn more at www.thewhitelawfirm.com.

Michelle is licensed in Texas and New York, and has been practicing for over two decades. She attended The University of Texas, School of Law, one of the Nation's top tier law schools. Michelle has received multiple awards in recognition of her legal services and an outstanding reputation amongst her colleagues and clientele. She is a front runner in courtroom advocacy, a formidable opponent and an excellent ally.