Willis Lawyers

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

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...

Attorney Jacques Leeds practices Employment Law (with a specialty in severance agreement review), Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Law. Attorney Leeds has been licensed by the State Bar of Texas since 2014. Attorney Leeds has been licensed by the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas since 2015.

Gary Alfred is Special Counsel to the Houston office of Kean Miller. He joined the firm in 2017 and represents clients in a wide array of civil litigation and commercial matters. Prior to joining Kean Miller, Mr. Alfred was a partner in a large Texas-based trial and litigation firm. His practice involves products liability, business litigation, commercial and residential construction matters, oil and gas issues, large personal injury defense, professional malpractice, and labor and employment law matters in state and federal court as well as multiple bodies of arbitration. He also has experience mediating cases.

Gary has investigated and litigated cases...

John Clay has a diverse legal practice advising and representing individuals and multi-national corporations in complex litigation disputes. He is a skilled litigator with first-chair commercial trial and arbitration experience, and has represented clients in multiple areas of litigation including engineering design and construction litigation, civil RICO litigation, class action and multidistrict litigation proceedings, investment disputes, energy litigation, complex contractual disputes, cross-border litigation, transportation liability defense, and employment litigation.

Mr. Clay has represented clients in multiple lawsuits at the state and federal court level and in domestic and international arbitrations. His experience extends to cross-border commercial litigation, including representation of Latin...

Bill Ogden is a partner in the Houston office of Kean Miller. He joined the firm in 2017 and practices in the trial and appellate groups. He has extensive courtroom and appellate experience in a wide range of commercial litigation, with concentration in communications and First Amendment law, employment litigation, financial services and energy law. Bill is Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is one of the foremost First Amendment attorneys in the state of Texas having represented traditional media such as newspapers, broadcasters, journalists and book publishers, as well as internet...

Nathaniel Pitoniak is an experienced criminal defense lawyer who began his career as a prosecutor in Harris County Texas. Nathaniel Pitoniak has obtained not guilty verdicts, dismissals, and no-bills through the grand jury process. Nathaniel also provides advice to people accused of wrongdoing who are under investigation.

John T. Polasek (Ted) has been practicing law since 1990. Ted’s practice at The Polasek Law Firm, PLLC focuses on patent infringement litigation and licensing of patents. In addition, Ted litigates a broad array of intellectual property cases, involving trade secret misappropriation, trademark infringement, copyrights, unfair competition, breach of contract and related commercial litigation. His clients include patent owners, trademark owners and companies accused of patent infringement or trademark infringement. Ted has successfully negotiated licenses involving patent portfolios that include over 100 patents.

As technology evolved, Ted gained experience in a wide variety of technologies. Ted has handled patent infringement...

I have spent my entire legal career representing individuals and families wronged and injured by the negligence and misconduct of others. My current practice focuses on medical malpractice and personal injury matters. In addition to being an experienced trial attorney, I have worked on a wide array of civil cases. During law school, I clerked for a renowned Texas trial lawyer before being hired as an associate at the same firm after obtaining my law degree. I was quickly entrusted with working on a diverse docket that included hundreds of medical malpractice cases and complex personal injury, commercial, environmental and...

Ty was born and raised in the heart of the Pineywoods in Longview, Texas. Making his way to Houston to attend law school and ultimately founded Gibson Hill PC in 2013.

While attending South Texas College of Law, Ty personally managed a personal injury docket at a local law firm. This was Ty’s initial exposure to personal injury law, personal injury clients, and the skills necessary to cultivate a good attorney-client relationship, and ultimately a passion for assisting those who have been injured.

Ty handles each client’s case as if it is a mission, knowing that each and every case will have...

I'm an international tax and estate planning attorney, focusing on foreign tax compliance and high-net-worth estate planning for individuals. When I'm not practicing law, I spend my time with my wife Emily and our rescued mutts Griswold and Molly, I run marathons (40 as of 4/1/18), and I volunteer with the Boy Scouts.

My practice includes traditional estate and disability planning, probate and estate administration, and the preparation of estate and gift tax returns. I design, implement, and administer trusts of all types and related business and investment structures, including taxation and compliance aspects of these structures.

After earning my BS...

Charles A. Banker, III Mr. Banker is a Board-Certified Specialist in Criminal Law with over 30 years of legal experience. He is dedicated to the best interest and well-being of those he represents, and with whom he is a true “Brother in Arms.” As such, he advocates for the success of his clients in courts of law all over Texas and the United States. A native Texan, Mr. Banker graduated with Honors from the University of Texas at Austin and received his Law degree (J.D.) from the University of Houston Law Center. In between these degrees, Mr. Banker achieved a Master’s degree...

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...

Ruth A. Kollman is a 1990 graduate of Southern Methodist University School of Law. She has tried dozens of state and federal cases, both civil and criminal. She also has extensive state and federal appellate experience. She counsels attorneys throughout Texas in disciplinary rule compliance, in firms both large and small, in every area of practice. Texas courts have recognized her as an expert witness on legal ethics questions, and she has testified before the Texas Legislature regarding revisions to the Texas Rules of Disciplinary Procedure. She represents lawyers and judges in disciplinary proceedings and has...

Before joining Lorance & Thompson in 2010, Katie practiced as a solo attorney and dedicated the majority of her practice to assisting and serving small businesses and individuals with their copyright, trademark, intellectual property, and business litigation needs. She adopts the entrepreneurial values of her clients and acts as a champion for them in their efforts to grow and protect their intellectual property and good will. Because her practice was a small business, she is able to identify with and better serve her clients’ unique needs. Prior to having her own firm, Katie practiced for five years...

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...

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...

William B. (“Bill”) Connolly is from Houston, Texas and he has been a family, juvenile, protective services trial and appellate attorney for nearly 40 years. He is Board Certified in Family Law and Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is a NACC Child Welfare Law Specialist and is a bar leader in the creation of the newly approved Texas Child Welfare Law Board Specialization. Bill is a former Adjunct Professor of Juvenile Law and has lectured and mentored attorneys, judges, CPS (DFPS) officials, juvenile court officials and healthcare professionals on a variety of subjects including substance...

With over 15 years of legal experience, John Scott Black has tried a wide range of cases involving first party insurance claims, catastrophic injury claims, and mass tort litigation for plaintiffs before judges and juries across Texas. His knowledge of commercial matters in a broad array of commercial litigation areas also allows him to confidently pursue cases involving securities fraud, contract claims, fiduciary duty matters, real estate transactions, patent matters, and institutional investor claims. Prior to joining his longtime friend, Rick Daly, to establish Daly & Black, P.C, John served as a legal intern to Justice James A. Baker...

Judge Garcia served on the bench from January 01, 2021 to December 31, 2024. Judge Garcia now practices law and is authorized to officiate weddings by the State of Texas. Please feel free to contact Judge Garcia directly. Judge Garcia can officiate your wedding at the venue of your choosing and on any day. Judge Garcia is fluent in Spanish. Judge Garcia has officiated hundreds of weddings in different settings. Judge Garcia has two offices in Houston, Texas.

When dealing with challenging legal issues such as divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, estate planning, or other family law matters, it's crucial to have an attorney who understands your rights and offers compassionate, dedicated guidance throughout your case. I am Terry Hamilton, a Senior Associate Attorney at Stange Law Firm, based in our family law office in Houston, Texas. I represent individuals across Harris County and surrounding areas. I earned my Juris Doctor from Texas Tech School of Law, after obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from Texas Tech University. I am licensed to practice law...

Facing a divorce or family law issue can be daunting, filled with uncertainty about the future. The emotional and legal complexities can often leave you unsure of where to start. In these times, having compassionate and experienced legal support can provide much-needed clarity. I am Lindsey McGuire, a dedicated Senior Associate Attorney based in our Houston, Texas family law office. I am committed to guiding clients through these challenging times and represent individuals throughout Harris County and the surrounding areas. I earned my Juris Doctorate from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago, Illinois. Before attending law school, I completed my...

Maryssa Simpson is a trial lawyer and partner in The Potts Law Firm’s Dallas office. Maryssa grew up in the small town of Bridgeport, Texas and is from a family of trial lawyers. Her background gave her a passion for trial work, and she carries that forward in her practice.

Maryssa graduated from Baylor University and received her law degree from the University of Texas School of Law. During law school, Maryssa was an advocate for a national championship mock trial team and received the International Academy of Trial Lawyers Student Advocacy Award. While at UT, Maryssa also won Best Advocate...

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...

I grew up in an immigrant family, experiencing the challenges and complexities of the immigration process firsthand. My parents moved to the United States seeking a better life, instilling in me a deep appreciation for the opportunities that U.S. citizenship provides. Driven by a desire to contribute to the community that fostered my success, I became the first in my family to attend university, graduating *summa cum laude* from the University of New Mexico. After completing my undergraduate studies, I dedicated myself to education, teaching in the bilingual school system in Madrid, Spain. Upon returning to the United States, I pursued...

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...

Mr. Palker was raised by a single mother and learned the value of hard, honest work from an early age and has unwaveringly been a member of the workforce since age fourteen. Having worked in a wide array of industries (including everything from restaurants, nightlife, events, and healthcare to professional sports), and even after starting multiple companies before the age of twenty, Mr. Palker found his passion for the law in college. In 2012, Mr. Palker discovered his true career path when he obtained a job as a legal assistant. While working as a legal assistant, Mr. Palker was involved...

Kevin Hunter is a decorated veteran of the United State Air Force. His family law clients receive the same exceptional service that distinguished Kevin as an indispensable asset to the military. The same service that resulted in Kevin’s selection to the prestigious Air Force One detail at Andrews Air Force Base during both President Bill Clinton’s and President George W. Bush’s time in the Oval Office.

The individuals confronted with a life changing family law event, like a divorce, struggle with a number of challenges. Kevin, and the team at Boudreaux|Hunter & Associates, LLC, help their clients understand and work...

Galvin Kennedy, founding partner at Kennedy Hodges, LLP, was born in the Chicago, Illinois, area. His parents divorced when he was young and he was influenced by watching his mother work to support her four children. When he was ten years old, his mother moved her family to Houston, Texas. After graduating from high school, Mr. Kennedy attended Northern Illinois University on a full scholarship as the captain of the university's prestigious national debate team. During his time on the debate team, he was awarded dozens of regional and national speaker awards. He graduated magna cum laude in 1992 with a...

Houston DWI Lawyer Clyde W. Burleson, P.C. is the Houston DWI lawyer that other lawyers call when they need help. He is a former Assistant District Attorney and served as one of the chief prosecutors for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). He is a leader in all aspects of alcohol-related law and legal defense. He is an expert in Field Sobriety Testing and has taken the same training courses police agencies require for their officers. He knows and understands not only the laws but also the intricate science underpinning a DWI charge. Most importantly, Mr. Burleson has successfully tried...

Attorney Jermecia A. Beachem is dedicated to the practice of law and representing her clients. At Beachem Law Firm, P.C., we represent clients with family law matters including contested divorces, uncontested divorces, enforcement of child support, child support modifications, child custody matters, CPS cases, paternity matters, termination of parental rights, enforcement of visitation, modification of visitation, Grandparents' Rights; probate matters including Wills, probate of Wills, contested probate matters, heirship proceedings without Wills, Muniment of Title matters; civil matters including civil litigation, contract review, demand letters, and contract disputes. The primary focus at Beachem Law Firm, P.C. is to...

Patrick Luff entered legal practice after several years as a professor of law. During his time at the University of Oklahoma, Arizona State University, and Washington and Lee University, he taught courses on legislation and statutory interpretation, civil procedure, and administrative law. He also spent time a visiting scholar at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law in Heidelberg, Germany. Patrick received his Bachelor of Arts in Government from the University of Texas in Austin and his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School, where he graduated cum laude and served as...

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...

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...

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,...

Ryan van Steenis's practice focuses on complex civil litigation involving commercial disputes, securities litigation, investigations, and white-collar matters.  Ryan’s professional philosophy is to go above and beyond expectations (the “ABE” standard) for clients. Ryan works hard to provide clients with sound legal advice and superior legal representation in matters affecting a wide variety of their business or personal interests.

Before working as a lawyer, Ryan worked in several professional service jobs to make ends meet, from retail stores to golf courses. Those efforts taught him the value of “service as a product,” and how excellent service often laid the foundation for...

A Blue-Collar background and a drive to always improve and help those who need support. John Cucci attended Public schools from K through College and law School. A graduate of the City University of New York Law School. John Cucci is a US Army Veteran who received and Honorable Discharge after his service in the 80s. John Cucci has been an attorney in over 500 Trials and has lost less than 5% of them. A true Leader, John Cucci was the School President at his College at the State University if New York at Stony Brook. There he maintained a...

I am the founding partner of Kesse PLLC, a corporate law firm. Prior to founding Kesse PLLC, I worked at the biggest law firms in the country. My practice focuses on securities, capital markets, SEC reporting, emerging companies and startups, and general corporate law. I regularly advise clients on public and private securities offerings and financings, including U.S.-Canadian cross-border offerings and other foreign private issuer offerings. I assist clients with IPOs, Regulation A+ offerings, direct listings, follow-on/secondary offerings, private placements, crowdfunding, private company financings, pre-IPO counseling, SPAC formations, IPOs and business combinations (deSPACs), tender offers, emerging company and startup financings,...

Leonid “Leo” Kishinevsky was born in Russia and immigrated to Houston, Texas with his family as a young boy shortly before the fall of the Soviet Union. The experience of starting a new life in America taught Mr. Kishinevsky many important life lessons about hard work, determination, and the fundamental notions of fairness and equality that are essential to the American way of life.

After completing high school in Houston, Mr. Kishinevsky attended college at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend Indiana, graduating with a BBA in Marketing and a BA in Political Science. He then attended law school...