Vanderbilt Lawyers

For the first 12 years of my legal career, I represented injured railroad workers from various parts of the country. From 2015 until 2019, I worked with or was associated with the law firm that handled various types of personal injury cases including work injury cases, car crashes, premises liability and slip and fall cases. I am fully bilingual (English-Spanish) and so is my staff. We take great pride in being accessible to our clients at anytime that they need us.

Durante los primeros 12 años de mi carrera legal, representé a trabajadores ferroviarios lesionados de varias partes del país....

Attorney Azam graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso, with a B.A. in Political Science, and a minor in Legal Reasoning in 2006. Before attending law school, he served as Director of Operations for an international corporation. He graduated from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 2012 and has been licensed with the Texas Bar since then. He is also fluent in Arabic. Mr. Azam's philosophy is always to prepare every case as though it is going to trial. He is a zealous advocate and trial attorney, he is experienced in contract negotiations and drafting, business formation and all...

C.Y.Lee Legal Group, PLLC, has over a decade of experience and loves to serve this great city of HOUSTON and our STRONG citizens. We have built a reputation for being able to communicate and be there for our clients, as well as providing our clients with prompt answers and more than adequate representation. It would be our pleasure and honor to assist in any way we can.

Javier Gutierrez is a trial lawyer and President of the Gutierrez Law Firm, with extensive experience representing individuals and families in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits involving motor vehicle and workplace accidents.

Blake Brunkenhoefer is a second generation South Texas trial lawyer noted for litigating personal injury and wrongful death claims on behalf of accident victims and their families. He has been practicing trial law since 1992. He has tried cases to verdict in state and federal courts in several states, and he maintains an active, national practice. He is licensed to practice in Texas, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. Blake has successfully resolved thousands of cases, many of which have resulted in substantial verdicts or settlements for his clients. Blake is a devoted family man and enjoys spending...

Houston personal injury lawyer Ben Bronston has dedicated himself to helping individuals with their legal issues for over 20 years. His extensive and diverse experience in the legal industry gives Ben Bronston the ability to adapt and respond quickly to pressing matters as well as analyze and conduct research in order to navigate the best approach for his clients. Aside from personal injury Ben Bronson currently practices medical malpractice, general negligence and civil litigation experience. He is also a nationally acclaimed telecom legal expert. This wide spectrum of legal knowledge helps Ben Bronston to understand aspects of...

Serving Texas families in Special Education, Guardianship, and Special Needs Planning.

Mr. Brashear's legal career began with a tour aboard the U.S.S. Philippine Sea (CG58). While aboard this U.S. Naval vessel, he defended the United States while visiting and taking in the cultural values of many other countries such as Poland, Lithuania, Sweden, Germany, Spain, Italy and Greece. After completing his tour aboard U.S.S. Philippine Sea (CG58), Mr. Brashear had the pleasure of working with the Navy Legal Service Office Southeast Jacksonville, Florida; where he processed claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act. While in Jacksonville, he was also stationed with the Trial Service Office Southeast where he...

Kim Hegwood, born in Bay City, is an Elder Law and Estate Planning Attorney based in Houston, Texas. Kim has been a practicing Attorney since she graduated from South Texas College of Law in 1996 and passed the Bar in 1997. After watching her grandparents struggle to maintain their independence as they grew older, trying to navigate the challenges of aging, and deal with the legal, financial, and emotional challenges that our loved ones face in their golden years, Kim dedicated her career to helping families preserve their dignity and protect their assets. Kim started her own law firm in...

Mr. Bustillos’ practice focuses on business immigration. His clients can count on top-notch services, sincerity, and approachability when dealing with their immigration matters. Mr. Bustillos has successfully represented clients in complex EB1-Extraordinary Ability, and EB2 National Interest Waiver petitions; as well as E2 investor visas, and L1 intracompany transferee visas. By studying his clients’ business and area of expertise, Mr. Bustillos helps them find the best strategy for their immigration needs. Mr. Bustillos received his Master of Laws (LL.M) in Global Energy, International Arbitration and Environmental Law from the University of Texas School of Law and his Law Degree (LL.B) from...

Heather M. Bachman is a Board-Certified Family Law attorney committed to resolving family issues through collaboration and mediation. Guided by the principle that family relationships should be preserved and protected during crises, Heather prioritizes out-of-court settlements, using the courtroom as a last resort. Her extensive experience includes divorce, child support, visitation rights, enforcement of visitation and child support, collaborative law, and mediation. With a compassionate approach and thorough understanding of the law, Heather offers clients expert legal advice aimed at educating them about legal procedures, exploring solutions, encouraging settlements, maintaining reasonable fees, and protecting their rights when litigation becomes necessary. Her...

Dustin advises clients about their business-related matters at the federal, state, and international levels with experience in corporate, tax, securities, and related issues. Dustin has experience providing tax and business services, including the reformation and restructuring of large multi-national businesses to achieve strategic tax and business objectives. Dustin works with business owners, corporate officers, and other advisors in structuring acquisitions, dispositions, reorganizations, and corporate financing arrangements to provide efficient solutions to tax and business issues across a variety of industries. In addition to his business and tax planning experience, Dustin has experience resolving taxpayer issues during IRS examination or collection status,...

I provide bankruptcy solutions for consumers and business primarily in the greater Houston area but also in other parts of Texas and the rest of the United States. I also represent clients nationwide in federal appeals.

Tina is passionate about advocacy. Her approach to family law matters is responsive, straightforward and client-focused. Tina possesses all the sincere language, confidence, and zeal you would expect from a litigator raised in a strong Italian family. She deploys these traits at maximum effect. Clients love Tina because she is confident and efficient. She is a family law litigator with an impressive range of experience and knowledge. Tina’s interest in family law and advocacy began during her studies at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, where she received a Master of Science degree in education. This master’s program focused on educational policy...

Criminal Law - Board Certified Texas Board of Legal Specialization - 33 years experience - Former Assistant District Attorney - Former Assistant Attorney General - All Criminal Cases - State and Federal Court

Rukhsanda Melissa Masoom grew up in Queens, New York before finding her way to Deer Park, Texas, where she attended school. She went on to attend Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts. Melissa decided to equip herself with the tools necessary to affect social change and seek justice for those in need of help. She matriculated at New England School of Law in Boston, before returning to Houston, her true home. After law school, Melissa has amassed extensive courtroom experience, with a focus on a variety of practice areas, including family law, mass tort litigation and personal injury. She has volunteered...

Margaret is a family law attorney, passionate about helping her clients shape their future. She understands that when someone hires an attorney, it can be a daunting and emotional experience. Margaret takes the time to explain the process, listen to the client, and then guides them in finding the best possible outcome. As a trained mediator, Margaret has successfully used her powerful negotiation skills to reach strong resolutions outside the courtroom. Mindful that a settlement outside of trial is not always possible, she has experience zealously advocating for her clients in the courtroom to achieve the desired results.

After graduating from...

Kaylee Rush grew up in rural east Texas and attended undergraduate university at the University of Texas at Arlington before settling in Houston, where she attended law school at South Texas College of Law Houston. While in law school, Kaylee earned multiple academic honors including the Dean's Merit scholarship and several CALI awards and participated in the Randall O. Sorrels Legal Clinics. Kaylee also completed a 2-year state district family court clerkship as a law student. Prior to law school, Kaylee discovered her passion for serving her community as a reporter for a small local newspaper, finding that the media we...

Derek was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1986. After graduating from Conroe High School, Derek attended Texas A&M University where he earned a B.S. in Agricultural Leadership and Development. While at A&M, Derek was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order where he served as Vice President, Pledge Class President, and Philanthropy Chair. After graduating from A&M, Derek earned his Juris Doctorate at South Texas College of Law, in Houston, Texas. While at South Texas he was elected to serve as the Student Bar Association Vice President for 2012-2013, and Freshman Senator for 2011-2012. He was also an elected...

T.J. Roberts was born in Austin and raised in Lampasas, Texas. Playing baseball for the Lampasas Badgers earned T.J. a chance to attend Austin College in Sherman, Texas. T.J. graduated with a degree in political science and moved on to the Texas Tech University School of Law. In Law School, T.J. served as president of the Criminal Bar Association, Vice-Chair of The Board of Barristers, and was voted the Board’s most outstanding member. In addition to the Criminal Defense Clinic, where he received an American Jurisprudence Award, T.J. was also a member of several national trial advocacy teams. T.J....

Professional Law Background B.A., University of Houston, 1972 J.D., South Texas College of Law, 1975 Admitted to the bar of Texas, 1975 Admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; and the U.S. District Court for the Northern, Southern, and Eastern Districts of Texas State Bar of Texas Texas State Bar College The College of Master Advocates and Barristers, Senior Counsel American Association for Justice (formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Sustaining Lawyer, President’s Club, (Leaders Forum 2003-2008), (National Finance Council, Justice List Committee 2007-2008), (National College of Trial Advocacy Civil and Criminal ; American College of Barristers, Senior Counsel;...

I will not take a case unless the person I am helping is truly hurt, has legitimate damages, and truly deserves justice. If you are that person, I would be proud to represent you. While not every case will go to trial, I do not take a case unless I are prepared to take it all the way to trial. Therefore, I limit the number of cases I take. I have a passion for righting a wrong and fighting for the the broken, the poor, those who have suffered catastrophic injures, families of the injured, families who...

I am an attorney that focuses in estate planning and business planning from cradle to grave, i.e., starting or buying a business; capitalizing your business; optimizing your business with tax, corporate and asset protection planning; strategizing business succession; and selling your business. I believe two things differentiate me from other lawyers: I understand the numbers, and I personally have business experience. These characteristics make me acutely aware of my client's needs and goals. PRACTICE FOCUS: Commercial Real Estate Business Planning Tax Planning U.S. & State Income, Gift & Estate/Inheritance Taxes Trust Creation: Simple & Complex Estate Planning...

Ms. Adriana Bello focuses her immigration work on business immigration matters, such as Employment Based Extraordinary Abilities or National Interest Waiver residence petitions, E2 Investors Visas, L1 Intracompany Transferee visas, among others. Due to her strong business background, Ms. Bello has developed a niche in assisting foreign highly qualified professionals and reviewing their business and work opportunities in the United States. As an immigration lawyer she believes that “you’re really trying to tell a person’s story and explain why that person seeks an opportunity to permanently stay in the United States. I’ve always liked the fact that everybody has their...

Laura De La Cruz is the newest attorney at Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris. She joined the firm in 2010 and worked as a legal assistant for managing partner, Matthew Shaffer, until she became licensed to practice law. Laura is an excellent lawyer and has a passion for helping others. Laura believes that the law is meant to serve individuals and their families. Her practice focuses on advocating for injured workers in maritime and other work accidents across the country. She is proud of her experience with the firm, which has given her the knowledge and practical skills to see...

Darren was born in London, England, and lived there for 10 years before moving to the United States. The son of hardworking Jamaican immigrants, he was brought to America as his parents pursued the American Dream and sought better educational opportunities for their children. Inspired by their determination, Darren developed a deep appreciation for education, service, and justice—values that ultimately fueled his dream of becoming an attorney. In high school, a pivotal experience shaped his path: he was invited to shadow a friend’s father, a law firm partner, who introduced him to case research, strategy meetings, and the importance of community...

Former Prosecutor, now helping citizens in Harris County and surrounding counties fight cases against them. Tried dozens of cases to a jury, highly skilled at negotiations and getting cases resolved. Studied at SMU School of Law and University of Arizona.

Robert Cowan is a partner at Bailey Cowan Heckaman, PLLC where he oversees the firm’s award-winning trial and appellate briefing team. He is involved in all types of cases at BPB, including mesothelioma litigation, drug and medical device injuries, FLSA claims, dangerous products, and commercial litigation. Robert is a graduate of South Texas College of Law, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with his Juris Doctorate.

Matthew Zarghouni is the founder at Zar Law, PLLC. He practices primarily in personal injury, insurance litigation, and commercial litigation. Matthew has fought for the rights of over a thousand clients in both personal injury and insurance coverage disputes and routinely represents commercial clients in lawsuits involving business torts and contract disputes. Prior to starting Zar Law, Matthew worked at a prominent law firm as a business torts and intellectual property litigator, a position that gave him extensive experience in federal courts. Matthew is a regular participant in multi-district litigation and is experienced in mass tort litigation. ...

Montes Law Firm, PLLC is based in Houston, Texas. Angelique Montes is an attorney practicing immigraiton and family law. Born in Houston, Texas to Cuban immigrant parents - she was one of the first in her family to be born a U.S. citizen. Angelique is fluent in both English and Spanish. In January 2011, Angelique began building a law firm from the ground up. From her expereince and knowledge of the law, zealous advocacy, and dedication and ability to work with each individual client personally - as a person and not as a case...

Daniel E. Sheppard loves what he does and has had the opportunity to assist clients with a variety of personal injury matters in Houston. Daniel fights for the people who need help — the “little guys” who get pushed around by a system that takes advantage of those without resources. Daniel strongly believes that people and corporations should be held accountable for their choices and cannot be allowed avoid the rules, regulations, and responsibility to keep people safe. Daniel takes pride in providing quality service to clients and brings his relentless work ethic into the office and the courtroom. Although a native...

Frank J. Vendt, Jr., has been meaningfully involved with people that work all types of jobs, people that have various social statuses, and people that live with many different issues. This led him to practice family law.

We have all heard that “nothing takes the place of experience.” Mr. Vendt has been through a divorce himself and has shared custody of his child. He is a Richmond divorce lawyer who understands the battles one faces when it is time to end a marriage (money, children, reputation, failure, et cetera).

Outside of law, Mr. Vendt spends time with his family and in the...

I possess a unique set of skills in Excel, Workiva, and similar applications that sets me apart from other lawyers. I leverage this distinctive combination to foster enhanced collaboration between Legal Departments and their corporate counterparts such as Accounting and HR. My work in areas like Proxy Statement preparation and stock plan administration exemplifies the value I bring to my clients. Additionally, I assist Legal Departments in working with IT on projects related to software adoption, development, and implementation. Before embarking on my legal career, I worked in public accounting as an auditor during a time when the audit industry was...

I’m Ava (Na) Li, founder of Ava Li Law PLLC, licensed to practice law in both China and the United States. Before coming to the U.S., I practiced in Beijing, where I served on the legal team for the 2008 Olympic Games and led the successful trademark defense of the “Water Cube.” That case taught me something lasting: intellectual property is part of a brand’s soul. In 2012, I moved to the U.S. to pursue an LL.M. in International Intellectual Property Law at Chicago-Kent College of Law, one of the nation’s top IP programs. I graduated with honors and later earned my...

Dinesh Singhal is a seasoned civil trial lawyer with over three decades of legal experience, practicing since 1992 and exclusively in Texas since 1997. As lead counsel, Dinesh has tried over 30 cases and has established himself as a trusted advocate in complex business and commercial litigation. Dinesh focuses on business and commercial disputes involving contractual disputes, partnership disputes, business frauds, real estate disputes, and bankruptcy adversary litigation. Throughout his career, Dinesh has also handled selected serious personal injury matters. His typical clients are individuals and small businesses. Dinesh’s legal expertise spans appearances in civil and federal district courts...

Marjorie A. Maxwell is a dedicated family law attorney with Laura Dale & Associates, P.C. She focuses her practice on helping clients with family related matters and has extensive experience helping clients with cases, involving child custody disputes with a primary focus on complex marital property characterization and valuation issues. Marjorie graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2000. She later attended South Texas College of Law and earned her Juris Doctorate degree in 2007. While in law school, she worked for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, interning under the Family...

Ashley V. Tomlinson is an experienced attorney with Laura Dale & Associates, P.C. She focuses her practice on helping clients with their family related matters. With over ten years of legal experience, Ashley has helped many families with all aspects of family law, including cases involving child abduction under the Hague Convention. Ashley graduated magna cum laude from Hollins University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and French. She earned a Juris Doctorate from Tulane University in New Orleans where she was the Senior Articles Editor for Tulane Journal of International and Comparative Law, one of the...

Leslie founded the Giron Kirby Law Group with the goal of providing personalized, effective, and efficient representation to businesses and individuals in relation to their immigration needs. She has dedicated her career to the practice of immigration law and is committed to providing her clients with the highest quality representation available.

Prior to starting her own firm, Leslie was an attorney at one of the nation’s largest immigration law firms, where she represented businesses and individuals in all types of immigration matters. Her expertise in and dedication to the practice of immigration law is informed not only by her prior employment,...

Joel B. Pardo has dedicated his career to helping those who have suffered, particularly at the hands of a corporation. He joined Ramsey Law Group in 2015, and has successfully tried multiple cases to verdict. He is extremely proud of his role assisting the firm in achieving its landmark $43,600,000.00 verdict in Price v. Walmart Stores of Texas, LLC et. al.

Mr. Pardo began his legal career as the supervising attorney of a class action docket at a personal injury law firm in Houston, Texas. He oversaw a team of twenty lawyers and paralegals and traveled throughout the Gulf Coast, representing...