Sarah is a top-rated attorney with extensive experience representing both corporate and individual clients at trial and on appeal. Her practice spans a wide range of complex matters, including commercial litigation, transportation and trucking matters, products liability, construction disputes, breach of fiduciary duty, professional liability and legal malpractice, negligence, and other serious personal injury and wrongful death cases. Sarah regularly handles appellate matters and complex legal issues arising from trial court proceedings. She has represented plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal courts and in arbitration proceedings.
Sarah is a Qualified Mediator pursuant to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §§ 154.052(a) and 154.052(b) (family) and is admitted to practice law in Texas and California.
A native Texan, Sarah lived in the Rio Grande Valley for nearly a decade before returning to the Austin area in 2011. She has remained actively involved in the legal profession through continuing legal education presentations and has volunteered with the Center for Human Rights & Constitutional Law. Earlier in her career, Sarah worked in public service and politics, including roles as a Legislative Aide to United States Congressman Lloyd Doggett in Washington, D.C.
Outside of her practice, Sarah enjoys running.
Education
University of Texas School of Law – J.D. with honors, 1999
Texas Lutheran University – B.A. Political Science, magna cum laude, 1996
Recognitions & Distinctions
Named a Texas Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters and a Texas Super Lawyers® Rising Star by Thomson Reuters
AV Preeminent Judicial Rating Martindale Hubbell
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®: Commercial Litigation (Austin)
Representative Experience
Lead appellate counsel affirming summary judgment in Sookdial v. Valley Land Title Company, Ltd., No. 13-23-00303-CV, 2025 WL 718715 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi-Edinburg Mar 6, 2025).
Lead appellate counsel in defense of dismissal, successfully resolved on eve of oral argument, in Cohrs v. Agrilogic Insurance Services, LLC, No. 24-40493 (5th Cir.).
Lead appellate counsel affirming summary judgment in Benson v. Fiesta Nissan, Inc., No. 13-20-00516-CV, 2023 WL 5520823 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi-Edinburg Aug 27, 2023, no pet.).
Lead counsel in trial court and on appeal, securing and affirming Rule 91a dismissal in Brickley v. Reed, No. 03-22-00453-CV, 2023 WL 2376127 (Tex.App.—Austin Mar 7, 2023).
Lead counsel in trial court and on appeal, securing and affirming summary judgment via Bill of Review in Bock v. State Farm Mut. Ins. Co. of Texas, 675 S.W.3d 36 (Tex.App.—San Antonio 2023, no pet.).
Lead counsel in trial court and on appeal, overturning $13 million default judgment in Propel Fin. Servs., LLC v. Conquer Land Utils., LLC, 579 S.W.3d 485 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi 2019, pet. denied).
Appellate attorney in affirmance of trial verdict in Chavez v. State Farm Lloyds, 746 Fed.Appx. 337 (5th Cir. 2018).
Appellate attorney in affirmance of dismissal based on forum non conveniens at the Texas Supreme Court in In re Oceanografia, S.A. de C.V., 494 S.W.3d 728 (Tex. 2016).
Lead counsel in trial court and on appeal, securing dismissal in Head v. Las Vegas Sands, LLC, et al., 760 Fed. Appx. 281 (5th Cir. 2019) and 298 F.Supp.3d 963 (S.D.Tex. 2018)
First chair in defense of client bank at arbitration related to alleged breach of loan agreement, damages in excess of $20 million. Arbitration panel ruled in favor of client and awarded fees.
Co-chair for defendant in federal bad faith insurance jury trial, successfully resolved during trial.
Second chair for plaintiff in jury trial with verdict of approximately $6.5 million on behalf of distributor against manufacturer, for breach of contract and related claims.
Second chair at arbitration for defendant and counter-plaintiff, complex commercial claims related to asset purchase agreement, resulting in arbitration award of damages and fees in favor of client.
Trial team member representing major Texas law firm in defense of claims for legal malpractice brought by former clients alleging multiple millions in damages, complete defense verdict upheld on appeal.
Secured summary judgment for national non-profit organization against claims made by former employee who was fired for financial improprieties and related criminal investigation and theft charges.
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
Legal Malpractice – State Bar of Texas Advanced Civil Trial (Dallas), October 2025
Malpractice and Ethics Update – TADC Spring Meeting (Louisville), April 2025
Hello From the Other Side! Lessons learned defending claims and grievances against attorneys – Private client firm retreat presentation (Austin), November 2024
New Texas Business Court – State Bar of Texas CLE Webcast, August 2024, with Kennon Wooten and Marcy Greer
Hot Topics in Insurance Law – TADC Summer Meeting (Lake Tahoe), July 2024
Saddle Up! We Mean Business (Court)! – Austin Bar Association Civil Litigation Section, May 2024
Saddle Up! We Mean Business (Court)! – State Bar of Texas Women and the Law CLE, May 2024
Let’s Grow Together – Development and Communications with Young Attorneys – TADC Annual Meeting (Horseshoe Bay), September 2024, with Dania Sadi
A Day in Federal Court – Trial – Western District of Texas Federal Court Practice Seminar, May 2023
Defeating the Reptile – TADC Winter Meeting (Steamboat Springs), January 2023
Service Through Social Media and New Amended Rules – San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association Annual CLE (San Antonio), September 2022
Insurance Update – State Bar of Texas Advanced Civil Trial CLE (Dallas), July 2022
Avoiding Legal Malpractice – State Bar of Texas Collections and Creditors’ Rights CLE (San Antonio), May 2022
Insurance Update – State Bar of Texas Annual Litigation Update CLE (San Antonio), January 2022
Texas Supreme Court 2021 – Insurance Decisions: Shifting the Playing Field – State Bar of Texas Insurance Section Annual CLE (San Antonio), August 2021
Changes to Texas Rules of Civil Procedure – Austin Bar Association Civil Litigation Section, May 2021, with Judge Stephen Yelenosky
Rules Update – State Bar of Texas Damages in Civil Litigation (San Antonio), February 2021, with Anne Johnson and Kennon Wooten
Memberships & Affiliations
Texas Bar Foundation Fellow and District 9 Nominating Committee Member
Austin Bar Foundation Fellow
Texas Association of Defense Counsel – District 10 Director
State Bar of Texas
Women and the Law Section Council Member and Executive Committee
Litigation Section Member
Texas Association of Defense Counsel (TADC)
Austin Bar Association – Civil Litigation Section Board Member and Executive Committee
Hidalgo County Bar Association
Cameron County Bar Association
Texas Bar College
American Bar Association Professional Liability Committee and Litigation Section
Admissions
State Bar of Texas (1999)
State Bar of California (2001)
United States District Courts: Northern, Eastern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
United States District Courts: Central District of California
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Chris Ross focuses his practice on construction and commercial litigation in both federal and state court. Chris also has experience with a wide array of other matters including products and premises liability, business litigation, real estate, employment matters, and personal injury litigation. Chris assists clients throughout all phases of litigation from file to trial and aggressively pursues the best outcome for his clients.
Chris earned his J.D. from Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law, where he served as associate managing editor of the SMU Law Review and externed at the Northern District of Texas. Chris also competed in several moot court competitions while in school and was a student attorney for the SMU Civil Clinic.
Originally a Houston native, Chris enjoys all things Texas hill country, from running around town lake to hiking along the Pedernales River.
Education
SMU Dedman School of Law –J.D., 2018
Houston Christian University –B.A. History, 2015
Memberships & Affiliations
Texas Young Lawyers Association
Austin Bar Association
Austin Young Lawyers Association
Admissions
State Bar of Texas (2018)
United States District Courts: Northern, Eastern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
Holton has experience assisting individuals and businesses in a wide range of matters, including commercial litigation, construction claims, employment matters, oil and gas litigation, insurance defense, and fiduciary litigation. Holton’s state and federal court experience spans across multiple states, including Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Holton grew up in a small town outside of Fort Worth, Texas before attending Texas Tech University. While in school, Holton played an active role in several organizations, including the Texas Tech Administrative Law Journal and Student Government Association. While in school, Holton served as a law clerk for multiple district court judges.
Before moving to Austin, Texas, Holton Westbrook practiced across West Texas, representing clients in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. In his free time, Holton enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, running, and playing sports.
Education
Texas Tech University School of Law – J.D., 2019
Texas Tech University–B.S. Agricultural and Applied Economics, 2016
Recognitions & Distinctions
Texas Bar Foundation Fellow
Memberships & Affiliations
American Bar Association – Young Lawyers Division, District 25 Representative
Texas Young Lawyers Association, Board Liaison
Austin Bar Association
Austin Young Lawyers Association
Admissions
State Bar of Texas (2020)
State Bar of New Mexico (2020)
State Bar of Oklahoma (2023)
United States District Courts: Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
United States District Court: District of New Mexico
Community Involvement
Legal Aid of Northwest Texas Board of Directors
Rodeo Austin Committee Member
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Scholarship Committee Member
Lina is a results-driven, strategic litigator with experience in commercial, construction, employment, personal injury, and products liability matters. She has experience representing companies, who manufacture, sell, and market prescription and over-the-counter medications, personal care products, and vaccines in mass tort litigations and defending catastrophic personal injury cases. Lina represents self-insured and insured, individuals and corporate clients in state and federal courts. She has extensive experience with the day-to-day management of cases, claim evaluation, pretrial motion practice, assisting company witnesses with deposition preparation, document management, and trial preparation.
Lina values counseling her clients on the various options they have in resolving their claims, and then navigating them through whatever process they choose, whether it be litigation or alternative dispute resolution. Lina also enjoys mediating cases.
Education
Baylor University School of Law – J.D., 2002
University of Texas at Austin – B.A., 1999
Representative Experience
Obtained summary judgments on behalf of product manufacturers, including claims for alleged product defects, negligence, breach of warranty, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees
Obtained dismissal of claims against directors in multi-million dollar case, involving claims of breach of fiduciary duty and conspiracy
Obtained Rule 91a dismissal of claims on behalf of a court-appointed forensic psychologist
Obtained dismissals on behalf of product manufacturer across the U.S. based on lack of personal jurisdiction
Successfully and efficiently resolved personal injury, employment discrimination, residential construction, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, and other commercial disputes through alternative dispute resolution
Served as a member of regional and national counsel teams, defending companies in mass tort litigations, involving pharmaceutical and personal care products
Memberships & Affiliations
State Bar of Texas, Litigation Section
Admissions
State Bar of Texas (2002)
United States District Courts: Northern, Eastern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
Jesse focuses his practice on construction, personal injury, products liability, and complex commercial litigation matters. He has also successfully represented licensed professionals before various state boards and agencies and at the State Office of Administrative Hearings.
Whether handling a transactional matter, a pre-litigation claim, or an active lawsuit, Jesse is a fierce advocate who works tirelessly to serve the best interests of his clients. He has been involved in all phases of litigation and is no stranger to the courtroom, having achieved wins and favorable verdicts for his clients at pre-trial hearings and at trial.
His experience as a litigator has also equipped him with a deep understanding of risk management, dispute resolution strategies, and contract enforcement mechanisms, enabling him to anticipate potential issues and better advise his clients in business matters.
Jesse was born and raised in south Texas and is a proud graduate of UT-Austin and St. Mary’s University School of Law, where he graduated cum laude and served as Editor in Chief of St. Mary’s specialty law review.
When he is not working, you can find Jesse hanging out with his wife (Jacqueline), his two sons (Jesse and Julian), and his Basset Hound (Mika). He also enjoys traveling, hiking, cooking, music, movies, and sports.
Education
St. Mary’s University School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2017
Editor in Chief, St. Mary’s Law Review on Race and Social Justice (2016-2017)
Staff Writer, St. Mary’s Law Review on Race and Social Justice (2015-2016)
Best Brief for Section, Eric Reister Family Award Winner
Dean’s Scholarship Recipient
University of Innsbruck, Austria, Summer 2015
University of Texas at Austin, B.A. Government, 2012
Representative Experience
Represented subcontractor in workplace injury case and obtained summary judgment based on exclusive remedy defense
Represented residential contractors in defect claims and obtained voluntary dismissals after discovery
Represented industrial services company in motor vehicle accident case and obtained summary judgment on multiple causes of action
Part of trial team who obtained defense verdict in Travis County District Court in motor vehicle accident case
Represented contractor in public works construction project and obtained summary judgment in personal injury suit arising from accident on the construction site
Publications
Navigating the Post-Shelby Landscape: Using Universalism to Augment the Remaining Power of the Voting Rights Act, 19 SCHOLAR 217 (2017).
Memberships & Affiliations
State Bar of Texas
Austin Bar Association
Austin Young Lawyers Association
American Bar Association
Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society—San Antonio Tarlton Inn Chapter
Insurance Law Section of the State Bar of Texas
Litigation Section of the State Bar of Texas
Admissions
State Bar of Texas (2017)
United States District Courts: Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas;
United States Bankruptcy Courts: Northern and Southern Districts of Texas
Community Involvement
Texas Appleseed, Mentor in Diversity Legal Scholarship Program
Kristen Maloney is an attorney in the Austin office of Cokinos | Young. She practices both construction and employment law, representing residential and commercial clients in construction disputes and protecting the interests of employers and employees in matters involving non-competition agreements, trade secrets, wrongful termination, retaliation, and discrimination. Together with that work, she defends public and private employers in administrative proceedings before federal agencies such as the EEOC, OSHA, and HUD, as well as state workforce commissions.
Kristen received her J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center in 2022, where she served on the executive boards of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Team and the International Law Society. During law school, she gained experience through internships with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the Texas Attorney General’s Office in the Consumer Protection Division.
Prior to law school, Kristen taught 4th grade in Spring Branch ISD as a Teach for America Corps member.
Education
University of Houston Law Center – J.D., 2022
– Houston Journal of Health Law & Policy
– Alternative Dispute Resolution Team, Executive Board
– International Law Society, Executive Board
Texas A&M University – B.A. Political Science, 2017
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
HR Houston General Meeting: Texas’s Enhanced Sexual Harassment Laws: Nearly One Year Later
Publications
An Adequate Shift from Inpatient Care or a Kick to the Curb: The Need to Shift Hospitals’ Discharge Criteria from Hospital-Focused to Patient-Driven, HOUS. J. HEALTH L. & POL’Y 1 (2023).
Judicial Experience
Judicial Intern to the Honorable Ewing Werlein, Jr., U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
Judicial Intern to the Former Judge Gregg Costa, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Admissions
State Bar of Texas
United States District Court: Southern District of Texas
United States Courts of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Community Involvement
Bellaire Ducks Unlimited – Past Chairman
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: World Championship Bar-B-Que Contest – Contestant Supervisor
Abigail has substantive litigation and construction-related experience on matters throughout North, Central and South Texas. Abigail has represented individuals, entities, owners, developers, general contractors, subcontractors, and others on a variety of matters, including commercial disputes, personal injury, premises liability, and product liability. Abigail is experienced in both federal and state courts as well as arbitration. In her career, Abigail has gained extensive courtroom experience and successfully briefed, argued motions, and handled depositions and trial preparation.
Education
Michigan State University College of Law – J.D., 2016
University of Texas at Austin – B.A. Spanish Literature and History, 2012
Recognitions & Distinctions
Texas Super Lawyers® Rising Stars by Thompson Reuters (2025)
Memberships & Affiliations
Austin Young Lawyers Association
Travis County Women’s Bar Association
Construction Law Section of the State Bar of Texas
Texas Bar College
Legal Chair for ACE Mentor Program-Austin
Member of Regional Hispanic Contractors Association- DFW
Admissions
State Bar of Texas (2017)
United States District Courts: Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
Bianca Cedrone focuses her practice on defending personal injury claims, including catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims. She has extensive experience in defending: trucking and commercial motor vehicle accidents, product liability, premises liability, construction site injuries, construction defects, automobile accidents, and Texas Non-Subscriber claims. Bianca believes in taking an efficient approach to litigating cases, being responsive to clients, and putting forth an aggressive defense in a cost-efficient manner.
Bianca has represented numerous businesses and individuals in wrongful death and catastrophic injury claims, including premises owners, product designers and manufacturers, general contractors and subcontractors, trucking companies, and hotels. Bianca has defended cases involving road construction, electrical system installation, HVAC and plumbing work, and construction defect claims. Other cases include defending businesses from subrogation or contribution claims in property damage situations and claims against nonsubscription employers.
Education
South Texas College of Law – J.D., 2012
– Law Review Journal
– Dean’s Merit Scholarship
– CALI Award for Excellence in Study of Comparative Family Law
University of Texas at Austin – B.A., 2008
Recognitions & Distinctions
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® (2026): Construction Law
Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America (2024–2025): Litigation – Construction and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Representative Experience
Obtained summary judgment on behalf of retail client in premises liability case.
Obtained summary judgment on behalf of client in defamation case.
First chair in Zoom trial resulting in a favorable defense verdict for client.
Second chair in trial resulting in a complete defense verdict for the trucking company and its driver.
Obtained summary judgment on claims of premises liability, negligent activity, negligence, and gross negligence on behalf of the client.
Obtained dismissal of all claims on the date of trial by successfully demonstrating Plaintiff’s lack of standing and damages to the court.
Successfully defended claims brought against an auto body shop for alleged property damage and conversion in consumer arbitration, obtained a monetary award on behalf of the client, and further defeated the claimants’ attempts to modify said arbitration award.
Obtained a summary judgment in the Western District Court on behalf of a national retail outlet for premises liability claims.
Obtained summary judgment in dog-bite case.
Obtained a favorable ruling on a federal Motion to Remand to State Court based on diversity.
Obtained voluntary dismissals of parties in multiple cases as a result of filing Motions for Summary Judgment.
Clients embroiled in bet-the-company appeals and high-stakes litigation call on Dana for the type of broad and deep experience a savvy appellate lawyer can bring. A board-certified appellate specialist and a Fellow of the by-invitation-only American Academy of Appellate Lawyers, Dana is recognized as one of the premier appellate practitioners in the state, with particular expertise before the Fifth Circuit and the Supreme Court of Texas. A former Law Clerk for the Fifth Circuit and a former Staff Attorney at the Supreme Court of Texas, Dana is equally fluent in state and federal appellate matters.
Because of her extensive appellate expertise, the Texas Board of Legal Specialization appointed Dana to its Civil Appellate Examination Commission—the committee that writes and grades the state’s specialization exam. Dana has also served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Texas School of Law, where she taught Appellate Advocacy for many years.
A sought-after CLE speaker on appellate practice, Dana is also a contributing author for the Texas Practitioner’s Guide to Civil Appeals (Texas Lawyer Books 2019). And on the national stage, the American Bar Association selected Dana as the Editor in Chief of the two-volume multi-jurisdictional appellate practice guide, the Appellate Practice Compendium.
During her 30-plus years of practice, Dana’s wide-ranging experience in appellate advocacy and complex legal issues covers a diverse range of substantive law. Known for her ability to weave creative problem-solving with the meticulous analysis the appellate process demands, she often works with trial counsel on strategy, key discovery disputes, legal motions, crafting and arguing the jury charge, and error preservation during and after trial to achieve an early litigation victory or lay the groundwork for a successful appeal or mandamus.
Dana entered private practice with the Houston office of Vinson & Elkins LLP and was a partner for 15 years with the Austin office of the appellate boutique Alexander Dubose Jefferson & Townsend LLP, where she was the managing partner. She has been Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1995 and is Chambers-ranked in Appellate. Dana was recently named one of the “Top 10 Most Influential Texas Appellate Litigators.”
Education
University of Texas School of Law – J.D., with honors, 1990 – Texas Law Review (1988 – 1990), Executive Editor (1989 – 1990)
University of Texas at Austin – B.A., with high honors, 1987
Recognitions & Distinctions
Fellow, American Academy of Appellate Lawyers—the premier organization for appellate specialists in the United States
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, Law Clerk (1990–1991)
Supreme Court of Texas, Staff Attorney (1996–1998)
Appointed by the State Bar of Texas and the State Board of Disciplinary Appeals as Special Assistant Disciplinary Counsel on Appeal (1994–1996)
Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Civil Appellate Examination Commission (2004–2010)
University of Texas School of Law, Adjunct Professor of Law, Appellate Advocacy (2000–2007, 2022–2023)
Chambers USA: Ranked Lawyer in Texas Litigation: Appellate (2022–present)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® (2008–present): Appellate Practice
Selected for inclusion in Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers Texas in Appellate Practice (2003–present)
Named one of the “Top 10 Most Influential Texas Appellate Litigators” (Business Today 2023)
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
Stays and Emergency Relief in Federal Appellate Courts, in STATE BAR OF TEX., ADVANCED APPELLATE PRACTICE COURSE (2024) (speaker & author)
Under-Utilized Procedural Tools—How to Make Use of Rule 166(g) Motions, Rule 62.1 Indicative Rulings, and Rule 54(b) Judgments, in UNIV. OF TEX. 33RD ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2023) (speaker & author)
Jury Charge in Construction Cases, in State Bar of Tex., Prof. Dev. Program, 35th Annual Construction Law Conference (2022)
Certification of Questions to State Courts, in Appellate Judges Education Institute Summit (2021) (panel moderator)
Seeking Rehearing: Don’t Banc on It, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROG., HANDLING YOUR FIRST (OR NEXT) FIFTH CIRCUIT APPEAL (2020) (co-presenter with Fifth Circuit Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod & author)
Federal Court Certification of State Law Questions: Lessons from Other Circuits, in UNIV. OF TEX. 26TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2020)
Interview with Fifth Circuit Judge Don Willett, in UNIV. OF TEX. 28TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2018)
Fifth Circuit Panel & En Banc Rehearing: Strategies & Voting Patterns, in UNIV. OF TEX. 27TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2017) (co-presenter)
Fifth Circuit En Banc, in UNIV. OF TEX. 26TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2016) (co-presenter with Fifth Circuit Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod)
From Volkswagen to Crystal Power to RadMax: The Changing Landscape of Mandamus in the Fifth Circuit, in UNIV. OF TEX. 24TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2014) (speaker & author)
Federal Interlocutory Appeals and Mandamus, in UNIV. OF TEX. 23RD ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2013) (speaker & author)
Fifth Circuit Voting Patterns, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROGRAM, 20TH ANNUAL ADVANCED CIVIL APPELLATE PRACTICE COURSE (2011) (speaker & author)
Competing Visions of the Role of an Appellate Court: Internal Struggle at the Fifth Circuit, Houston Bar Association Appellate Section Luncheon (2009) (speaker)
Preserving Error for Appeal, AUSTIN BAR ASSOCIATION, ULTIMATE TRIAL NOTEBOOK SEMINAR (2009) (panelist)
Anatomy of an Appeal Part 2: Persuasion, ABA/YLD TELECONFERENCE (2009) (co-presenter)
Oral Argument: Anticipating and Handling the Tough Questions at the Supreme Court of Texas, in UNIV. OF TEX. 18TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS APPEALS (2008) (co-presenter)
How to Make Yourself Indispensable at Trial, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROGRAM, 20TH ANNUAL ADVANCED CIVIL APPELLATE PRACTICE COURSE (2006) (panelist)
For the Record: Judicial Notice on Appeal, in UNIV. OF TEX. 16TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2006) (co-presenter & co-author)
Fifth Circuit Clerk’s Rules and Procedures You Should Know, But No One Ever Told You, in UNIV. OF TEX. 15TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2005) (co-presenter with Clerk of the Fifth Circuit, Fritz Fulbruge)
Jury Charge and Other Error Preservation Hot Topics, in AUSTIN BAR ASSOCIATION ULTIMATE TRIAL NOTEBOOK SEMINAR (2005) (panelist)
Fifth Circuit Internal Operating Procedures Beyond the I.O.P.s, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROGRAM, 18TH ANNUAL ADVANCED CIVIL APPELLATE PRACTICE COURSE (2004) (speaker & author)
Interlocutory Appeals and Mandamus in Federal Court, in UNIV. OF TEX. 14TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2004) (speaker & author)
Threshold Forum Issues, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROG., 26TH ANNUAL ADVANCED CIVIL TRIAL COURSE (2003) (speaker & co-author)
The Supervening Decision Doctrine, in UNIV. OF TEX. 13TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2003) (speaker & author)
Permissive Interlocutory Appeals in State Court, in TRAVIS COUNTY BAR ASS’N BENCH–BAR CONF. (2003) (speaker & author)
Interlocutory Appeals, in TRAVIS COUNTY BAR ASS’N BENCH–BAR CONF. (2003) (speaker)
Permissive Interlocutory Appeals in State Court, in UNIV. OF TEX. 12TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2002) (speaker & author)
Briefing to the Intermediate Courts of Appeals: State and Federal, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROG., NUTS & BOLTS OF APPELLATE PRACTICE (2001) (speaker & author)
Fifth Circuit Internal Operating Procedures Beyond the I.O.P.s, in UNIV. OF TEX. 11TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2001) (speaker & co-author)
Federal Interlocutory Appeals and Mandamus, in UNIV. OF TEX. 10TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2000) (speaker & author)
Preparing and Preserving Error in the Jury Charge, in UNIV. OF TEX. CONF. ON PROCEDURE AND EVIDENCE (2000) (speaker & author)
Practice Before the Third Court of Appeals, in TRAVIS COUNTY BAR ASS’N BENCH–BAR CONF. (2000) (panel moderator)
Cases Pending Before the Supreme Court of Texas, in TRAVIS COUNTY BAR ASS’N CIVIL APPELLATE SEMINAR (1999) (speaker & author)
Ten Things You Ought to Know About Practicing in the Fifth Circuit, AUSTIN BAR ASS’N CIVIL APPELLATE LAW SECTION LUNCHEON (1998) (speaker & author)
Perfecting the Appeal and Appellate Motion Practice, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROG., APPELLATE PRACTICE INSTITUTE (1998) (speaker & author)
Practice Before the Supreme Court of Texas, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROG., APPELLATE PRACTICE INSTITUTE (1998) (speaker & co-author)
A Comparison of State and Federal Appellate Practice, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROG., APPELLATE PRACTICE INSTITUTE (1998) (speaker & co-author)
Publications
Editor-in-Chief, Appellate Practice Compendium (ABA 2012)
Comparison of State and Federal Appellate Practice, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROG., APPELLATE BOOT CAMP (2009) (co-author)
A Comparison of State and Federal Appellate Practice, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROG., APPELLATE BOOT CAMP (2008) (co-author)
Insider’s Guide to Fifth Internal Procedures, in Fifth Circuit Ultimate Practice Guide: What Every State-Court Practitioner Needs to Know About Practicing in the Fifth Circuit, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROG., APPELLATE BOOT CAMP (2005) (author)
Nuts and Bolts of Fifth Circuit Practice, in UNIV. OF TEX. 9TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (1998) (co-author)
Texas Supreme Court Update, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROG., 14TH ANNUAL LITIGATION UPDATE INSTITUTE (1998) (co-author)
Interlocutory Remedies in State Court, in UNIV. TEX. 21ST ANNUAL PAGE KEETON PRODUCTS LIABILITY AND PERSONAL INJURY LAW CONF. (1997) (co-author)
Fifth Circuit Update, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROGRAM, 10TH ANNUAL ADVANCED CIVIL APPELLATE PRACTICE COURSE (1996) (co-author)
The Court’s Charge, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROG., 16TH & 15TH ANNUAL ADVANCED CIVIL TRIAL COURSE (1993 & 1992) (co-author)
Jury Charge in State and Federal Court, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROG., 9TH ANNUAL ADVANCED PERSONAL INJURY LAW COURSE (1993) (co-author)
Memberships & Affiliations
American Academy of Appellate Lawyers – Fellow (by invitation only), Appellate Rules Task Force (Chair), Planning Committee (Member)
American Bar Association – Council of Appellate Lawyers, Judicial Division – Publications Committee (Editor of Appellate Practice Compendium) (2008–2014) – Rules Committee, Member (2008–2014)
Texas State Bar – Appellate Practice & Advocacy Section – Section Member (1991–present) – Interaction with Judges Committee (2018–2019) – Appellate Advocate, Editor (2019–2022), Associate Editor (1996–1997, 2003–2006) – Electronic Publications Committee, Member (1996–1997) – Annual Meeting Planning Committee, Member (2003) – Pattern Jury Charge Committee, General Negligence and Intentional Personal Torts, Member (2004–2006) – Plain Language Committee, TYLA Liaison (1994–1995) – Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow (1995–present) – Texas Bar Journal, Editorial Board (1995–1998) – Texas Bar Journal Committee, Member (1995–1998)
Austin Bar Association – Appellate Section, Chair (2003–2004) – Austin Young Lawyers Association: AYLA Board of Directors (2003–2004); Treasurer (2002–2003); Secretary (2001–2002); Director (2000–2001) – Austin Lawyer, Editor of AYLA Section (1999–2003) – Judicial Affairs Committee, Co-Chair (1998–2003) – Publications Committee, Co-Chair (1999–2003) – Supreme Team Committee, Co-Chair (1998–1999) – VoTexas Committee, Member (1998–1999) – Nominated for Outstanding Young Lawyer of Austin (2000)
University of Texas Annual Conference on State and Federal Appeals: – Planning Committee Member (2002–present) – Presiding Officer (2003, 2005–2007, 2010)
Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit
Admissions
United States Supreme Court
United States Courts of Appeals for the Third, Fifth, Eighth, Ninth, and Eleventh Circuits
United States District Courts: Northern, Eastern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
State Bar of Texas
Certifications
Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (1995–present)
Lauren is a trial lawyer who brings her experience and judgment to help clients obtain the best resolution of their issues, whether that means vigorously protecting those interests in the courtroom or working collaboratively to reach common-sense solutions. Lauren’s practice focuses on representing clients in all phases of litigation, including mediation, trial, and appeals. She has represented a wide variety of clients, including public entities, commercial enterprises, employers, and insurance companies. Her wide breadth of knowledge helps guide her clients through the often unfamiliar waters of litigation and negotiation. In recognition of these skills, Lauren was selected as a Rising Star from 2018 to 2021.
In addition to an earned reputation as a skilled and effective advocate, Lauren is licensed before the United States Patent and Trademark Office and counsels clients on a broad range of patent and trademark matters, including intellectual property portfolio management, brand protection, and infringement litigation. Along with her trial and intellectual property work, Lauren excels at counseling clients regarding the formation of business entities, including partnerships, limited liability companies, professional entities, and nonprofits. Lauren routinely advises clients on business operations, helping them grow effectively and making sure their assets are protected.
Lauren also gives back to her community and the next generation of young lawyers. She is an adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law, where she teaches advocacy skills and theory to law students, coaches the interscholastic mock trial team, and recently guided her team to a National Championship in Spring 2021. She also serves as a Sexual Assault Victim Rights Advocate for SAFE Place Austin, helping survivors of sexual assault navigate their options in both the community and the legal system. In 2021, she was elected as a Texas Bar Foundation Fellow based on her outstanding contributions to the legal profession as well as her commitment to her community.
Education
University of Texas School of Law – J.D., with honors, 2011
Texas A&M University – B.S. Chemistry, 2006
Recognitions & Distinctions
Texas Bar Foundation Fellow
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® (2026): Construction Law
Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America (2023–2025): Intellectual Property Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property, and Litigation – Labor and Employment
Texas Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters (2018–2021)
Texas Super Lawyer® by Thomson Reuters (2025)
Representative Experience
Successfully defends clients from unmeritorious defamation lawsuits by obtaining dismissals under the Texas Citizens Participation Act (“TCPA”).
Represents local government entities in Chapter 1205 bond validation suits, obtaining validation of hundreds of millions of dollars in public financing, including extensive work with the Attorney General of the State of Texas to reach appropriate final declaratory judgments.
Represents clients in litigation and administrative proceedings involving contracts, permitting, and federal civil rights claims for cities and other governmental entities.
Represents clients in contract and tort claims, including allegations of fraud and misrepresentation, tortious interference with a contract, and personal injury in cases involving private industries –from electric utilities to oil & gas to telecommunications to specialized manufacturing.
Represents public and private employers in employment litigation and pre-litigation administrative proceedings, including wage-hour disputes, and discrimination and harassment claims.
Represents local businesses in resolving copyright and trademark disputes, licensing agreements, and entity formation.
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