Melissa Lawyers

Mindy Sauter served as a trial attorney for the Department of Justice. She has served as both a federal prosecutor and as a state prosecutor, and has had the benefit of conducting hundreds of trials. Mrs. Sauter directed some of the most complex healthcare prosecutions, including cases of home health and hospice fraud, multi-jurisdictional FDA investigations, and durable medical equipment and pharmaceutical cases. She also prosecuted other complex white collar crimes, including public corruption cases, and Hobbs Act Cases on behalf of the United States government.

Mark’s practice focuses on product liability, personal injury, and commercial litigation. He has handled complex product liability cases involving children’s toys, home paper shredders, asbestos products, electrical safety devices such as GFCI outlets, and safety products such as air masks and safety scissors. In negligence cases, he handles claims against trucking companies, construction companies, and other professionals who fail to maintain the appropriate level of “ordinary care” expected from those in their profession. He has worked on many mass tort dockets, where large numbers of consumers have been injured by prescription drugs, pharmaceutical implants, or other mass-produced medical...

Mary Kate Brown is a dedicated attorney committed to providing exceptional legal representation and advocating for her client's best interests. She earned her undergraduate degree from Concordia University in Austin, Texas. Her passion for the law led her to pursue her Juris Doctor from St. Mary's School of Law in San Antonio, where she honed her legal analysis and advocacy skills. While at St. Mary’s she served as a Staff Writer and an Executive Board Member for the Law Review. During her studies, she gained valuable experience by interning at the Hays County District Attorney’s Office and the Third Court...

Michael R. Cramer’s practice includes extensive experience in business law, civil and commercial litigation, employment law, corporate law, construction law, real estate, civil defense and estate planning. Attorney Cramer has more than 21 years of practice. Michael developed a statewide practice focused on litigation. His cases range from breach of contract to construction delay claims against the State of Texas. He also works with Family Law and Divorce cases. His business litigation practice includes the representation of corporations of all sizes. Michael has considerable experience in assisting corporations to avoid litigation through consultancy and risk avoidance. He counsels business...

I began my legal career as a prosecutor in my hometown of Marshall, Texas. During that time, I gained valuable experience handling cases involving juvenile and domestic violence crimes. Simultaneously, I started assisting family and friends with wills, real estate transactions, and entity documents. It was during this period that I discovered my passion for these practice areas, leading me to shift my focus to estate planning and probate matters in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. I also briefly worked at a title company, further enhancing my practical experience. Continuing my commitment to serving clients and advancing my legal knowledge, I...

Lakshmi Nayar was born in 1975 in Kerala, India. At the age of 6, her family migrated to Perth, Western Australia, where she resided until moving to Dallas in 1998. Lakshmi graduated from Murdoch University, Western Australia in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Politics and Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) with Honors. In 1999, Lakshmi earned her Master of Laws (LL.M) from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Lakshmi’s interest in U.S. immigration law originated from her own experiences as an immigrant to the United States. After studying U.S. immigration law at the University of Michigan,...

In 2009, Drew Christman founded a law firm where he practiced law with his partners for nine years. In 2018, he parted ways with his then partners and formed Christman | Daniell Attorneys, where he continues to provide clients with outstanding legal representation in a variety of practice areas. He was voted “Best Business Attorney” in Denton County in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, and the firm has received similar accolades in Family and Business Law in the years since. Christman | Daniell Attorneys offers legal services in the practice areas of Business/Corporate, Family Law, Civil Litigation, Probate, Real Estate,...

Coleman Jackson is managing shareholder of the law firm Coleman Jackson, P.C., a regional law firm in Dallas, Texas representing clients from around the world. Attorney Jackson provides caring, thorough and professional representation for people who need help with federal & state tax matters, contracts litigation issues, and immigration concerns.

Clark S. Willingham is engaged in estate planning and taxation, handling the formation and governance of business entities, real estate transactions and governmental relations in Washington, D.C and Austin.

Mr. Willingham was born in Houston, Texas in 1944. He received an Accounting degree from Texas Tech University in 1967. He received his Juris Doctor Degree from the Dedman School of Law at SMU in 1971 and his LLM in Taxation in 1984. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1971. Mr. Willingham is a member of the American Law Institute, the American Bar Association, the State Bar of...

I am a skilled trial lawyer and trusted legal advisor with a focus on representing entrepreneurs, business leaders, and startups. My dual backgrounds as a lawyer and startup founder give me a unique understanding of the challenges and legal obstacles that come with growing a business. Having embarked on the entrepreneurial journey myself, I am a fierce advocate for those dedicated to creating value for customers, investors, and the world. I offer zealous representation in active litigation and insightful counsel on legal questions that impact growth, matching my clients' entrepreneurial spirit, innovative thinking, results-driven mindset, and optimism. As a trial lawyer,...

Jordan Watson discovered her passion for family law after interning for a family law District Court Judge the summer after her first year of law school. After law school, Jordan cut her teeth as an associate attorney for a top family law practitioner, trying cases on her own throughout North Texas. Now at Epstein Family Law, P.C. Jordan is a valuable member of a legal team that is 100% dedicated to their clients and securing a better future for them. Prior to working at Epstein Family Law, P.C., Jordan graduated cum laude from Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of...

I've practiced consumer bankruptcy since 2011 and have helped hundreds of good people find financial peace-of-mind. My clients find me honest and thorough. They know I care about them because I take the time and effort to make sure they understand how bankruptcy works and how it can work for them.

Attorney Martin Valko of Dallas immigration law firm of Chavez & Valko, LLP, represents individuals and families from around the world, private and publicly traded companies in employment-based immigration, international Olympic and professional athletes, car racers, artists, and musicians in various non-immigrant and immigrant matters, and visas to foreign countries. Martin Valko has a first hand knowledge about the U.S. immigration laws as he has been through the entire process – from being a high-school exchange student, college student to an H-1B worker to his permanent residency and dual citizenship. Martin's clients greatly appreciate his in-depth understanding of the complex...

Born just south of Dallas, and true to his Texas roots, Andrew M. Lloyd fights proudly for families and justice. He exemplifies the attitude contained in the phrase - Don’t mess with Texas! He doesn’t let people mess with his clients, either. Big government and belligerent litigators threaten his clients’ lives, so he defends them. He’s a negotiator by birth and an attorney by trade, whose ultimate prowess and skill lie in the courtroom. He’s tenacious, witty, intelligent, and scrappy. With a nickname like “Texas Spanker,” what else would you expect? A...

Born New York, N.Y., April 14, 1951 admitted to Bar: 1982, Texas; 1983, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas; 1984, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; 1986, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas; 1989, U.S. Supreme Court. Education: Paris Junior College, Paris, Texas (A.A. 1971); Trinity University (B.A., cum laude, 1973; M.F.A., 1976); Southern Methodist University (J.D., 1982). Adjunct Professor, Business Law, University of North Texas, 1992-1993. Lecturer, Lewisville Library Law Lectures, 1984-1986. Member, College of the State Bar of Texas, 1989-1998. Diplomate, National Institute for Trial Advocacy. Associate, Durand & Associates, P.C., 1990-2015. Sole Practitioner, 1986-1990....

I am an Associate Attorney and focus my practice on litigating and forming business entities, guardianships, probates, and estate planning. I am committed to assisting my clients with their legal needs in some of the most important moments of their lives. I work to ensure their goals are reached no matter the complexity. I attended the University of Oklahoma College of Law and graduated with my Juris Doctorate. In my spare time, I enjoy watching my Oklahoma State Cowboys athletic teams, playing basketball, and learning more about historical events.

Clinton Prospere is a Senior Associate Attorney at Sul Lee Law Firm, specializing in litigation with a strong commitment to client satisfaction. Clint prides himself on his ability to deliver outstanding results for his clients through meticulous preparation and strategic advocacy. Combining his extensive litigation experience with a deep understanding of his clients’ needs, Clint approaches each case with a tailored strategy to ensure the best possible outcome. Originally from Massachusetts, Clint attended Boston University for his undergraduate studies where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations. Thereafter, Clint attended Roger Williams University School of Law. After...

I believe that trying a case to a jury is the best part of my job. That belief is the basis for the entire way I handle cases at Samples Ames PLLC. When our firm accepts cases, I am evaluating the prospects of that case in front of a jury. I size up the case, and I also size up the client. I always ask myself if a jury will relate to my client, and our firm regularly conducts focus groups before we accept the case.

I am Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal...

Max Murphy graduated from the South Texas College of Law.

Patrick is a founding member of Powers Taylor, LLP. In 2004, Patrick decided to leave a large, prominent law firm in Dallas to pursue his passion of representing individuals and small businesses. His practice focuses exclusively on litigating complex business disputes, cases involving nursing home neglect, and shareholder class action cases across Texas and throughout the nation. Patrick has significant experience litigating complex business disputes and commercial transactions and representing clients in federal and state insurance claims. Patrick also has extensive experience handling a wide range of cases involving commercial debt and judgment collection, construction defect disputes, and...

Mark R. Basile started his career at Shea & Gould in New York City and throughout the course of his career has, and continues to represent small publicly traded companies in securities and corporate finance litigation in both state and federal courts around the country. Mr. Basile won a landmark decision (2021) for small public companies in the New York Court of Appeals that agreed that certain corporate funding instruments are subject to NY's criminal usury laws. Mr. Basile is also a Professor of Law & Entrepreneurship at The Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center in New York teaching a course that he...

Mr. Akerly is the founding partner in Akerly Law PLLC, Dallas, Texas. He graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law in 1982 with honors. He clerked for the Honorable Mary Lou Robinson, United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. He has over 30 years of experience as a litigator, teacher and speaker in federal and state court, trial and appeal courts. Mr. Akerly has been selected to the 2019 Texas Super Lawyers list, which marks his 10th consecutive year for this honor. The Super Lawyers list recognizes no more than five...

I devote my practice to family law and business litigation matters, both in the courtroom and at the negotiating table, especially when these two areas of law collide. My unique experience includes navigating clients through family and business law disputes involving complex divorce and property issues, child custody, and CPS matters, as well as breach of contract cases, high-stakes securities and fiduciary matters, shareholder and insolvency litigation, malpractice lawsuits, real estate matters, and labor and employment disputes.

Carl L. Evans, Jr. is an Equity Partner at McCathern in the law firm's Dallas, Texas office and he practices in the areas of non-subscriber employer defense, trucking, liquor liability, employment, commercial, construction, subrogation, tort and insurance litigation. Mr. Evans has an extensive litigation and trial background, having tried numerous cases in state and federal courts. He has also obtained defense verdicts in arbitrations involving claims of fraud, negligence, breach of contract and breach of warranty. In addition, Mr. Evans has successfully represented numerous clients in summary judgment motions that have included claims for bad faith, fraud, negligence, premises liability,...

Described by colleagues as a “gym rat” in the courtroom, Bill Forteith still loves going into court and fighting for his clients in trial after almost forty years of exclusively practicing civil trial law. Trying hundreds of jury trials, his legal experience has literally gone from the cradle to the grave having represented clients involved in prenatal and neonatal care, daycare centers, nursing homes and even funeral homes. Yet trial work, such as automobile accidents and premises liability cases, excite him just as much as the more unusual cases. He believes that every client deserves the same passionate representation regardless...

Tiara A. Thomas is an attorney, speaker, and philanthropist. Throughout her career, she has helped her clients get the justice they deserve for being injured in both commercial and non-commercial vehicle crashes. In addition to personal injury, Tiara has represented clients in complex civil litigation claims, including breach of contract claims, civil fraud claims, Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act claims, & more! In 2022, she was selected as a “Top 40 Under 40 Attorney,” an honor given to only the top 40 under 40 African American lawyers in each state or region with reputations for providing excellent legal representation in their...

Gerald W. Livingston, native Dallasite. Served in the United States Army, Graduated Southern Methodist University - Dallas, TX with a LL.B. in Law.
Member of the Texas State Bar, the Dallas Bar Association, Tarrant County Bar Association, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, the Dallas Trial Lawyers Association and past member of the State Bar of Texas District 6A, Grievance Committee in Dallas.
AREAS OF PRACTICE: Personal injury claims in all fields (30 + years experience); Employment Law; Business Law. Member of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, The National Trial Lawyers Top 25 Specialty Associations and AV Preeminent...

With more than 30 years of experience, Mr. Finley has worked with hundreds of clients to develop estate plans, wills, trusts, family limited partnerships, limited liability companies, powers of attorney, and other ancillary documents. He advises clients on critical structural and business formation issues, and provides counsel to clients involved in federal tax controversies and disputes with the IRS.

I represent individuals and small-to-midsize businesses in a variety of litigation matters, with a primary emphasis on contract and construction disputes.

Affectionately known as Lulu to her family and friends, Lucy Fitzhugh brings a unique blend of Southern charm, tenacity, and legal prowess to Punchwork Law. Born and raised in the historic city of Natchitoches, Louisiana, Lucy’s journey to becoming a trusted member of the legal community has been marked by a passion for justice and a commitment to excellence. After completing her undergraduate studies in psychology at Louisiana State University, Lucy embarked on a transformative journey that took her from the bayous of Louisiana to the bustling streets of California. While in California, she immersed herself in the world of equestrian...

Joanna Whittaker, fondly called “Jo” by her close friends, is a dedicated attorney who has been an Arkansan through and through. Born and raised in Maumelle, Joanna attended North Little Rock High School (NLRHS) and later pursued higher education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR), earning dual bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Criminal Justice, with a minor in Human Services. Joanna completed her formal education at the Bowen School of Law, where she obtained her Juris Doctorate (JD). Before her legal career, Joanna worked closely with children, gaining valuable experience as a church nursery worker, camp counselor, and...

I enjoy helping clients prevent foreclosure and receive maximum protection under the law. Naturally, it's a tough road that leads to a foreclosure situation, so our job is to help them out of the situation in the most painless, but also the most effective and beneficial way possible.